5 Reasons You Have Extra Diabetic Supplies (And What to Do With Them)

If you've found yourself with a closet (or three) full of unused diabetic supplies, you're far from alone. We hear from thousands of people every year who are surprised to discover they've accumulated hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of unused supplies.

Here are the five most common reasons — and what you can do about it.

1. You Switched Devices or Brands

This is by far the most common reason. Maybe your doctor recommended switching from FreeStyle Libre to Dexcom. Maybe you upgraded from Dexcom G6 to G7. Maybe you tried an Omnipod and stuck with traditional injections.

When you switch, you're often left with weeks or months of supplies that no longer work with your current setup. Selling them turns useless inventory into cash.

2. Insurance Keeps Sending More Than You Use

Automatic 30- or 90-day shipments are a blessing — until they're not. Many insurance plans assume you'll test multiple times per day, but with the rise of CGMs, finger-stick test strips often go unused. Boxes pile up in drawers and cabinets.

The supplies are still valuable — they just need to find someone else who'll actually use them.

3. Gestational Diabetes Ended

If you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you likely received a continuous flow of test strips, lancets, and possibly even a CGM. Once your baby arrives and your blood sugar normalizes, those supplies become unnecessary.

Many new parents come to us with surprisingly large stockpiles from their pregnancy — supplies that would otherwise expire in storage.

4. Treatment Plans Change

Doctors regularly adjust treatment plans. Maybe your A1C improved and you no longer need to test as often. Maybe you switched from MDI (multiple daily injections) to a pump. Maybe you went into Type 2 remission.

Whatever the reason, treatment changes often leave behind weeks of unused supplies in their wake.

5. A Loved One Passed Away

This is the most sensitive reason. When a family member with diabetes passes, the people left behind often find themselves with months of unused supplies. It can be emotionally difficult to figure out what to do with them.

Selling unused supplies after a loved one's passing isn't disrespectful — it's practical. The supplies retain their value, and selling them helps others who need access to those same products at affordable prices. Many families find comfort in knowing their loved one's leftover supplies will help someone else.

What Should You Do With Extra Supplies?

You have three main options:

Option 1: Donate

Local clinics, free health programs, and diabetes nonprofits sometimes accept donations of sealed supplies. This is a great choice if you want a tax-deductible donation receipt.

Option 2: Sell

Selling lets you recoup some of the cost. With Florida Medical Surplus, you get guaranteed prices, free shipping, and payment within 24 hours. Many sellers use the proceeds to offset other medical costs.

Option 3: Wait until expiration and dispose

This is the worst option. The supplies retain no value after expiration, and you've effectively thrown away cash. We recommend taking action while supplies still have time on the clock.

How to Get Started

1. Gather your supplies in one place
2. Check expiration dates — items need at least 1 month left for us to accept them
3. Verify items are sealed and in original packaging
4. Visit our Sell Supplies page to get an instant guaranteed quote
5. Ship for free with our prepaid label
6. Get paid within 1 business day of receipt