Green diabetes mellitus: a pilot project

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Most of approximately 422 million people globally have diabetes mellitus use sharps for glucose monitoring. Many adults with diabetes are unaware of safe disposal methods, posing a risk of injury or potential infection to others.

AIM: To determine how adults with diabetes dispose of diabetes care-related waste and to assess changes in their disposal habits after receiving brief targeted education during medical visits.

METHODS: Ambulatory adults with diabetes (aged ≥18 years) were enrolled during their medical visit. After completing an initial questionnaire, a handout on safe disposal practices was discussed with them, which was followed by a second questionnaire 3 months later.

RESULTS: There were 111 participants at baseline (mean age 55 years, 50.4% had diabetes for >10 years, 52% female, 74.7% insulin users, 59.4% had home sharps containers, 53.1% had previous diabetes education). Of these, 40.5% reported disposing of sharps in their household trash. Insulin use, previous diabetes education or having a ‘Red Sharps’ container at home were each significantly associated with safe disposal (all P < 0.05). Of the 96 (86.5%) participants who completed the second questionnaire, unsafe disposal of sharps fell from 39.6% to 10.4% (P < 0.001). Preferred method of container disposal was the use of drop-off sites (pharmacies, doctors’ offices and hospitals). Outside their homes, 18.8% of completers had used regular trash for sharps disposal. Post education, this fell to 8.7% (P = 0.065). Post education, reuse of sharps decreased from 38.3% to 14.9% (P < 0.001) and improper handling of sharps (eg bending or cutting) fell from 18.8% to 9.4% (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Safe sharps disposal can be improved by providing a simple handout with a brief discussion at the time of medical visits. Disposal methods that are easy, convenient and free-of-charge are needed to further increase safety.