FDA recalls blood sugar monitors NEW YORK, Jul 28 (Reuters) -- All SureStep home blood glucose meters manufactured prior to August 1997 have been recalled by the manufacturer, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday. These SureStep blood glucose meters, manufactured by LifeScan Inc., may give an error message, "Er 1," instead of a "HI" reading when a person has very high blood sugar levels. The faulty reading was classified by the FDA as a "situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." At least two people who received an "Er 1" message on their SureStep meters have died, reports the FDA. In both of these cases, the diabetics had very high blood glucose levels, but delayed seeking medical care. In early June, LifeScan Inc, the Milpitas, California-based subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, announced a plan to replace SureStep home glucose meters because of the faulty readings. But according to a statement issued Tuesday, the FDA "is concerned that some diabetics, wholesalers, and distributors who purchased these meters may not realize this product replacement is for a potentially serious malfunction." More information is available from the company's 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-951-7226. Please let all diabetic family and friends know, Gail Vass, R.N.