You can sell unused diabetic supplies through online buyback companies, local buyers, and in some cases general marketplaces. The most common and straightforward option is a dedicated diabetic supply buyback company, which will typically send you a free shipping label, inspect your supplies, and pay you within a few days. Before you sell anything, though, it helps to understand what’s actually sellable, what the rules are, and how to avoid getting ripped off.
Buyback Companies That Purchase Supplies Nationwide
The simplest route is selling directly to a company that specializes in buying unused diabetic supplies. These businesses purchase test strips, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), lancets, and insulin pump accessories from people who have extras, then resell them at a lower price to others who need them. Several operate nationally, including Diabetics Trust, Diabetic Buy Back, and Diabetic Supply Buyers.
The process is nearly identical across these companies. You request a quote online or by phone, ship your supplies using a prepaid label they provide (so shipping costs you nothing), and receive payment after the company inspects your package. At Diabetics Trust, payments are processed within one to two business days after inspection, sent via PayPal or check. Diabetic Buy Back advertises a similar turnaround, with some customers reporting payment roughly three days after shipping. Most of these companies require a minimum order, often around $50, so a single box of test strips may not qualify on its own.
These buyers accept most major brands: OneTouch, FreeStyle, Dexcom, Omnipod, Bayer/Contour, and others. If you have supplies from a less common brand, check with the buyer before shipping.
What Condition Your Supplies Need to Be In
Buyback companies are strict about what they’ll accept. Your supplies must be sealed in their original, unopened packaging with no damage to the box. They need a valid expiration date, and most buyers want at least several months of shelf life remaining. Anything that’s been opened, has a torn or water-damaged box, or is past its expiration date will be rejected.
This matters more than it might seem. A 2013 case documented in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology involved a company that was contracted to destroy recalled and expired test strips but instead sold them on an auction website. The company was criminally prosecuted for introducing misbranded medical devices into commerce and for wire fraud. Expired or damaged supplies aren’t just unsellable; putting them back into circulation is a federal offense.
What You Can and Can’t Legally Sell
Over-the-counter diabetic supplies like test strips, lancets, and glucose meters are generally legal to resell as long as they’re unexpired, sealed, and were intended for sale in the United States. Selling test strips that were manufactured for foreign markets is prohibited and can trigger liability under the False Claims Act.
Prescription items are a different story. Insulin vials, insulin pens, and prescription glucose monitors cannot legally be resold through unregulated channels. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found active Craigslist listings for insulin across the country, but the researchers noted that this unregulated resale is illegal. Beyond the legal risk, improperly stored insulin can lose potency or become contaminated, making it genuinely dangerous for the buyer.
The practical takeaway: test strips, CGM sensors, lancets, and pump accessories (like Omnipod pods) are the supplies buyback companies will purchase. Insulin and other prescription medications are off the table.
Selling on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook
General marketplaces are more restrictive than you might expect. eBay’s medical devices policy prohibits the sale of any glucose monitor that requires a prescription. Over-the-counter test strips may be listed, but eBay’s rules around medical supplies shift frequently, and listings can be removed without warning.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace have their own prohibitions on medical supplies and prescription items. Some sellers still post there, but you risk having your listing removed, and you lose the consumer protections that come with selling to an established buyback company (like guaranteed payment and a clear returns process). Peer-to-peer sales also mean meeting strangers or handling your own shipping and disputes.
For most people, a dedicated buyback company is faster, safer, and just as profitable.
How to Spot a Scam
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has issued specific fraud alerts targeting people with diabetes. The most common scheme involves someone calling and claiming to represent the government, Medicare, or a diabetes association. They offer “free” supplies in exchange for your Medicare number or other personal information. The supplies get billed to Medicare, and the caller pockets the reimbursement.
If you’re selling (rather than buying), here are red flags to watch for:
- No verifiable business address or phone number. Legitimate buyback companies have a physical presence and customer service you can reach.
- Asking for your Medicare or insurance information. A company buying your extra test strips has no reason to need your insurance details.
- Vague or shifting payment terms. Reputable buyers state their payment method and timeline upfront.
- Pressure to ship immediately before receiving a quote. You should always know what you’ll be paid before you send anything.
Check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau before committing to any buyer. A company with years of reviews and a consistent track record is far safer than one with no online footprint.
Donating Instead of Selling
If your supplies are close to expiring or you’d rather help someone directly, donation is a solid alternative. The American Diabetes Association recommends Insulin for Life USA (ifl-usa.org), which accepts insulin vials and pens, A1C test kits, glucagon, syringes, and other diabetes supplies. They do not accept insulin pump supplies.
Local options include animal shelters (which sometimes use glucose monitors for diabetic pets), health departments, religious institutions, and community health clinics. Some of these organizations can provide a tax-deductible receipt, which may be worth more to you than a cash payout depending on the quantity and your tax situation.