Posted on: 1 October 2024
In a groundbreaking effort to lower carbon emissions and reduce clinical waste, a collaborative initiative in North East and Yorkshire has focused on transitioning patients with diabetes from disposable to reusable insulin pens.
With the region seeing high rates of disposable pen prescriptions, the project aims to encourage the switch to environmentally friendly alternatives. A recent review showed that in Humber and North Yorkshire alone, using only reusable pens could save 67.7 tonnes of CO₂ annually - equivalent to driving over 229,000 miles. A Diabetes Environmental and Sustainability Impacts Working Group was formed to support healthcare professionals in guiding new and current insulin users toward this greener option.
We are already seeing results. Humber and North Yorkshire colleagues saw a 12% decrease in disposable pen prescriptions, while Sheffield Teaching Hospitals reports significant reductions in plastic waste. The group has also developed educational resources and two universities have integrated sustainability into their healthcare training. With this recent success, the group is expanding its reach to other integrated care boards, aiming for a regional shift toward sustainable diabetes care.
North East and Yorkshire’s Clinical Lead, Dr Waqas Tahir, said: “Shifting to reusable insulin pens is a crucial step towards sustainable healthcare. By reducing clinical waste and lowering carbon emissions, we are not only protecting our environment but also enhancing the quality of care for patients with diabetes. Even the smallest changes can lead to significant impacts and this initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.”
For more information see our diabetes goes green video which outlines the environmental and financial benefits of using reusable insulin pens over disposable ones. It highlights how we can achieve lower carbon emissions, reduced plastic waste and significant savings associated with reusable injection pens.