TRUE METRIX recall: what the FDA says to do now

If you use a TRUE METRIX blood glucose meter, the FDA says to keep testing but move to another glucose-testing method as soon as you can. The concern is an E-5 error code that can be confused with either a very high blood sugar reading or a strip problem, which could delay treatment or lead to the wrong response.

This matters most for people at higher risk, including those on intensive insulin therapy, sulfonylureas, or who have frequent high or low blood sugar events. If you see an E-5 error and you also have symptoms of a blood sugar emergency, get medical help right away.

What the FDA recalled

The FDA says Trividia Health’s recall affects all TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, and TRUE METRIX GO self-monitoring blood glucose systems, plus TRUE METRIX PRO professional monitoring systems, including some store-branded versions sold under partner names. The FDA identified the recall as a Class I recall, its most serious category.

The issue is not that every E-5 message means the same thing. The FDA says the meter can show E-5 for two different problems: a very high blood glucose event above 600 mg/dL, or a test strip error. That overlap is the core safety concern.

Why the E-5 error can be risky

If a person with very high blood sugar thinks the E-5 code is just a strip issue, they may delay treatment. If someone with low or normal blood sugar assumes it means severe hyperglycemia, they may treat the wrong problem. The FDA says either kind of mistake can lead to serious harm, including dehydration, altered mental status, loss of consciousness, or death.

The FDA also reported 114 serious injuries and one death associated with this issue as of January 16, 2026.

What the FDA says to do now

The FDA’s advice is simple: keep testing, but start using an alternative glucose-monitoring method as soon as possible. Do not stop checking blood sugar just because you are waiting for a replacement.

If you use one of the affected meters, the FDA says to talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about switching. That advice is especially important if you use insulin intensively, take sulfonylureas, or often have major highs or lows.

Who should replace first

If supplies are limited, the FDA says to prioritize people at highest risk first. That includes people who are more likely to have dangerous swings in blood sugar, especially those who depend on insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycemia.

People with a history of frequent hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic events should also move quickly, because an E-5 error could make it harder to tell whether a reading is an emergency or a test problem.

When an E-5 error could be an emergency

The CDC says diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a medical emergency. It advises calling 911 or going to the emergency room right away if blood sugar stays at 300 mg/dL or above, if breath smells fruity, if vomiting keeps you from keeping food or drinks down, if breathing is difficult, or if there are multiple signs of DKA.

The CDC also says people with diabetes who are sick or who have blood sugar of 250 mg/dL or higher should check for ketones. The American Diabetes Association notes that ketones can build up when the body does not have enough insulin, and that high ketones can quickly lead to DKA.

An E-5 error should be treated as urgent if it happens alongside symptoms such as dehydration, confusion, severe weakness, vomiting, or trouble breathing. In that situation, do not spend time trying to sort out the meter message on your own.

How replacement and coverage may work

How quickly you can replace an affected meter may depend on your insurance, pharmacy, or supplier. Medicare’s current guidance says Part B covers blood glucose monitors and related self-testing supplies for people with diabetes, though cost-sharing and supply limits can vary.

For Medicare users, the agency says Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible, and the patient pays 20%. Plan details, supplier rules, and coverage for replacement supplies can still vary, so readers should check with their plan or supplier.

What readers can do now

Check whether your meter is a TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, TRUE METRIX GO, or TRUE METRIX PRO system, including any store-branded version.
Keep testing your blood sugar until you have another method in place.
Contact your pharmacist, clinician, or device supplier about a replacement.
If you get an E-5 error and feel unwell, do not guess—seek urgent medical advice.
If you have symptoms of DKA, severe hypoglycemia, or severe hyperglycemia, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

For most readers, the practical takeaway is not to panic, but to switch testing methods promptly and treat an E-5 code as a potential warning sign rather than a simple nuisance message.

Sources

Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.