Characterization of sharps waste generated by individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin therapy

Título

Introdução

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing insulin therapy produce used medical sharps daily, such as syringes, needles, and lancets. Improper disposal of these items poses significant risks to public health and the environment, including needlestick injuries and environmental contamination. A lack of proper guidance often leads to unsafe disposal practices.

Objetivo

To characterize the types of sharps waste and their disposal practices among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing insulin therapy.

Método

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2025 at the endocrinology and metabolism outpatient clinic of a university hospital in a Northeastern Brazilian state capital. The study protocol was approved by the institutional Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 6,675,970). Data were extracted from nursing records, resulting in a final sample of 101 patients with available documentation.

Resultados

The majority of participants were female (67%), with ages ranging from 50 to 72 years (mean age 61 ± 11 years). Seventy-seven percent had been diagnosed with diabetes for over ten years. Regarding sharps usage, 63.4% used syringes with attached needles, and 32.6% used disposable insulin pens. Patients administered one to four injections per day and reused the same needle three to five times daily; in 4% of cases, the device type was unspecified. No records were found quantifying materials used for daily glucose monitoring. The limitations of these data were attributed to the availability of supplies through Brazil’s Unified Health System and inconsistent patient access. All participants reported improper storage and disposal practices, including disposal in household waste, reuse of needles and lancets, and unsafe transportation of materials.

Conclusão

The use of sharps among individuals with diabetes necessitates close attention, particularly due to physical limitations and insufficient access to proper guidance, which may compromise safe management. Despite the limitations of a localized sample, the findings underscore the urgent need for educational interventions focused on proper containment, safe disposal, and environmental considerations of sharps waste among insulin users.

Palavras Chave

Diabetes Mellitus; Sharps disposal; environment