Diabetes-Technology and Waste: The Future is Now.

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• Effect Size: Not specified - descriptive analysis only

• Primary Outcome: Quantification of diabetes technology waste generation

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - environmental impact study

• Confidence Interval: Not provided

Clinical Application

Requires systemic changes in device design and waste management infrastructure Relevant to Australian diabetes care given high CGM uptake through PBS subsidies and increasing technology adoption All patients with diabetes using technology devices

Abstract

The downside of the success story of diabetes technology is the amount of waste generated by manufacturing and using such medical products. Quantitative surveys performed in the United States and Germany document how many pounds of plastic waste, batteries, and electronic parts are piling up per patient with diabetes each year; however, the actual environmental burden of diabetes care has not been assessed yet. Given the highly probable further increase in usage of diabetes technology devices, what are the options to change the situation? Ideally, one would avoid generating waste by optimizing the design of the products (Eco-Design); however, this approach faces a number of complex regulatory and economic hurdles. The issue of waste management is becoming increasingly important as the use of wearable devices increases. Stewardship of the environment will require all stakeholders to address waste management.

References

1. 1.Heinemann, L., Seid, D. A., & Klonoff, D. C. (2026). Diabetes-Technology and Waste: The Future is Now. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2023-0088