Batteries in Diabetes Technology Devices and Recycling: Need for Eco-Design

Abstract

Batteries are an essential component of many medical products used for diabetes therapy. The increased use of such products comes along with millions of batteries that are disposed of every year. The design of these products should enable the recycling of batteries as they contain a significant number of valuable resources. Regulations in the United States and the European Union concerning batteries used in medical products are changing toward requiring and supporting establishing recycling procedures. Currently, respective programs are active only in some countries. A greener diabetes therapy would include more attention to reducing usage and disposing of batteries.