Blood sugar blues. Blood glucose meters made by Abbott Diabetes Care have been recalled. The units were designed for use in either the United States or outside the country, so glucose levels can be displayed in either the American unit of measurement (milligrams per deciliter) or the unit used most often abroad (millimoles per liter). Unfortunately, which unit is displayed can switch, unbeknownst to the user, leading to improper dosing or dietary changes and, possibly, life-threatening hyperglycemia. For more information, see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2005/glucose, or call Abbott Diabetes Care at (800) 553-4105.

STDs still a growing concern. According to the most recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rates of syphilis increased 8% in 2004 over the previous year, the fourth year in a row to show an increase, largely because of the increase in the number of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM). Rates of gonorrhea are at their lowest since 1941, although minorities are affected disproportionately. The CDC also warns that drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are a growing concern, especially among MSM. Chlamydia rates also increased, but this may be a result of improved screening programs; many more cases likely go undetected. For details, go to http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats.