FDA warns some TRUE METRIX glucose meters may show an E-5 error

If you use a TRUE METRIX blood glucose meter, the FDA says you should pay attention to a recent safety communication about an E-5 error code. The concern is not just a message on the screen: if the code appears, the result should not be trusted for immediate diabetes decisions.

That matters most for people who use insulin, some diabetes pills, or frequent glucose checks to catch lows and highs early. Low blood sugar can become dangerous quickly, and severe lows can be an emergency.

What the FDA said

The FDA listed this issue as a medical device safety communication on April 28, 2026, and later posted Trividia Health’s correction notice on May 5, 2026. The agency said the issue involves TRUE METRIX blood glucose monitoring systems, including TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, TRUE METRIX GO, and TRUE METRIX PRO.

According to the FDA, the problem was that the owner’s booklet and system instructions did not emphasize that users should seek medical attention right away if they get an E-5 error code and have symptoms of high blood glucose.

Trividia Health said it updated its messaging on May 1, 2026 and that users may already be seeing the new E-5 error message in meter boxes and test strip boxes.

What the E-5 issue means in plain language

An E-5 error means the meter may not be giving a reliable result, so the number should not be used the way a normal glucose reading would be used. If the code appears, follow the updated instructions that came with the corrected product information.

Trividia Health said delayed recognition of extremely low or extremely high blood glucose could increase the risk of serious health complications or delays in treatment. The company also said it is working on updated software and a future upgrade program for affected meters.

Who may be most affected

Trividia Health says people at highest risk include those who rely on intensive insulin therapy, sulfonylureas, or frequent glucose monitoring because of repeated low- or high-glucose events. The notice applies to people using the meters at home and in clinical or caregiver settings.

That group may have less time to wait for a replacement reading or a second check, which is why backup plans matter.

What to do if the error appears

If you see an E-5 code, use the updated instructions and, if possible, consider another method of testing blood glucose. If you rely on a TRUE METRIX meter, it is worth checking whether you have the revised owner’s booklet or product notice.

If you are unsure whether the device is right for your situation, Trividia Health says to discuss it with your health care provider or pharmacist. If you have symptoms of high blood sugar along with the error, seek medical attention right away.

Why low blood sugar safety still matters

The CDC says low blood sugar can be dangerous if left untreated. Common symptoms can include shaking, sweating, nervousness, irritability, confusion, dizziness, hunger, and a fast heartbeat. Severe low blood sugar can cause trouble walking, confusion, seizures, passing out, coma, or death, according to CDC and MedlinePlus.

MedlinePlus says severe hypoglycemia can be treated with glucagon in an emergency, and people with diabetes may be prescribed a glucagon kit. If a person is confused, unconscious, having a seizure, or cannot safely swallow, that is an emergency and urgent help is needed.

Practical takeaway

If you or someone you care for depends on rapid glucose readings, check the instructions that came with the meter and make sure there is a backup plan now. That is especially important for people who have frequent low or high glucose episodes, use insulin, or care for someone who may not recognize early warning signs.

For families, schools, workplaces, and caregivers, the key step is simple: know what the E-5 code means, know when to use another testing method, and know when symptoms call for urgent care.

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.