What to do with diabetic supplies after a loved one passes

Last reviewed: August 2026

Losing a family member who managed diabetes is already one of the hardest things a family can go through. What often catches people off guard is discovering boxes of unopened diabetic supplies — CGM sensors, insulin pump pods, test strips, lancets — that were part of their loved one's daily life.

This guide is for Charlotte-area families navigating that situation. It's practical, respectful, and meant to give you clear options without pressure.

What you might find

People with diabetes often have a surplus of supplies at any given time — auto-ship programs, insurance covering 90-day supplies, and stockpiling before deductibles reset all contribute to leftover inventory. After a passing, families in Charlotte frequently find:

• Multiple boxes of CGM sensors (Dexcom G6 or G7, FreeStyle Libre 2 or 3)
• Insulin pump supplies — OmniPod pods, Tandem cartridges, or infusion sets
• Test strips in sealed boxes
• Lancets and lancing devices
• Glucose tablets, alcohol swabs, and other consumables

Your options for unused supplies

1. Sell them (recommended for sealed, unexpired supplies)

Factory-sealed, unexpired diabetic supplies purchased through private insurance can be legally sold in all 50 states. Selling ensures the supplies reach someone who genuinely needs them — often people who can't afford retail prices. It also puts real money back into the estate or family's pocket. CGM sensors alone can be worth up to $115 per box depending on model and expiration dating — see our Charlotte diabetic supply buyback page for full details on what we accept.

The one critical check: look at the box for any "For Medicare/Medicaid Use Only" or "Not for Resale" labeling. If your loved one was on Medicare, some supplies may carry that label. Those cannot be resold — it's a federal regulation — and should be discarded or donated to a medical recycling program.

2. Donate them

Most traditional donation organizations — food banks, Goodwill, and similar charities — cannot legally accept medical supplies. Options do exist, but they're limited. Some local churches and community health centers will occasionally accept unopened supplies for direct distribution. If you go this route, call ahead to confirm they can accept what you have.

3. Discard

For supplies that are expired, opened, or Medicare/Medicaid-labeled, proper disposal is the right move. Sealed supplies in landfills are a waste — but opened lancets, used sensors, or expired test strips should be discarded safely. Atrium Health and Novant Health both offer sharps disposal guidance for Charlotte-area patients.

For Charlotte-area families — and everyone else

We work with families in exactly this situation on a regular basis. We understand it's a sensitive time, and we keep the process straightforward and pressure-free. You tell us what you have, we give you an honest offer, and you decide from there. No obligation, no minimum quantities, no deadline pressure from us.

What to check before you contact us

• Check boxes for "Medicare/Medicaid" or "Not for Resale" labeling
• Note expiration dates on each box
• Separate any opened or damaged items (we can't accept those)
• A quick photo of each box speeds up the quoting process