Quantifying Environmental Waste From Diabetes Devices in the U.S.
cross_sectional · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40072890.
- Also identified by DOI 10.2337/dc24-2522.
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Abstract
Diabetes devices, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, may significantly affect environmental sustainability and long-term resilience. This observational study enrolled 49 adults with diabetes using CGMs, insulin pumps, or multiple daily injections (MDIs; three or more per day). Participants completed daily surveys detailing the types and amounts of diabetes-related waste discarded. Of the 49 participants, 11 used MDIs and 38 used insulin pumps. Most were female (63%), were White (80%), had a bachelor's degree (90%), lived in suburban/urban areas (86%), and were aged <65 years (78%). Average monthly waste was 2.7 lb for pumps and 3.1 lb for MDIs. Diabetes-related products contributed nearly 2% of household waste. This study highlights the importance of improving recycling methods and reducing waste from diabetes devices.
Medical subject headings
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Insulin Infusion Systems
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Solid Waste