What To Do with Extra Diabetes Supplies

A 2015 report from CDC shows that there were about 1.5 million new diagnosed cases of diabetes among people ages 18 and older. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US. Access to diabetes medication and testing supplies is relatively easier in a developed country like the United States. However, in poor countries in regions such as Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa it is more difficult. People with diabetes in these less developed countries lack proper access to basic resources such as insulin, meters, and test strips. Thus, making the mortality rate for diabetes in these countries significantly higher. 

Insulin Surplus

Several patients in the US end up throwing out unused insulin and other supplies month after month. Possible reasons for the surplus include a change in treatment plans, a pharmacy error leading to extra insulin, reduced medication for type 2 diabetes after a significant weight loss, change in insulin prescription, or a patient passing away.  Instead of throwing away your unused diabetes supplies, you can put them to good use. Here are your options: Donate them!

You can choose to donate your unused insulin, test strips, and other supplies. It is illegal to give away prescription medication without a license, however, 37 states and Guam passed a law that allows registered clinics and treatment programs to accept and distribute donated medication and supplies to eligible patients.  It is best to check on your local diabetes education centers as to where you can donate your supplies within your area.

Where to Donate Diabetes Supplies

There may be a homeless shelter that collects diabetes supplies as well as some animal shelters. Some of the unused and non-expired supplies that they accept can include:

• Syringes
• Insulin
• Mediations
• Lancets
• Test strips
• Insulin pumps
• Pump supplies

Sell Your Diabetes Supplies You No Longer Need

Diabetic supplies and medication put a dent in your monthly budget. Test strips alone can cost up to $100 a month. You may opt to let go of your unused diabetes supplies in exchange for cash. By selling your unused supplies, you are not only getting cash in return, but you are also helping others have access to these life-saving resources when they are sold at discounted prices to those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.  We make the process of selling your unused strips easy for you. 

Simply visit our sign-up form and we’ll handle the rest! Whether you are donating or selling your excess supplies, you are doing something that can benefit others. In order to ensure that the medication and supplies are shipped safely, here are a few general guidelines:

• Supplies and oral medicines must be in their original and sealed containers.
• All donated supplies must have their expiration dates visible in the packaging.
• Before donating or selling, check the organizations policy regarding use-by dates to ensure you meet their requirements.
• For insulin, make sure it is refigerated untl the time of mailing, as well as packed in a cooler or insulated shipping box with a freezer gel pack.
• Ask the organization if donations are tax-deductible, if so, include in the shipment a self-addressed and stamped envelope with the receipt.