Why Do People Buy Diabetic Supplies?
We buy sealed diabetic supplies for cash. We do not sell supplies.
People buy surplus diabetic supplies mostly because of cost. The American Diabetes Association found that 1 in 5 people with diabetes have put off getting a pump or CGM, and for half of them, money was the reason. Sealed extras sitting in a closet can help fill that gap.
Selling? See everything we buy.
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own care.
Here's why there's demand, who the sellers are and why only sealed, unexpired boxes should ever change hands.
How big is the cost problem?
The ADA has shared a few numbers that show it:
- About 31% of people with diabetes said they didn't check their glucose because test strips cost too much.
- 1 in 5 have put off getting a pump or CGM. For half of them, it was money.
- 15% of people who use pumps or CGMs delayed refilling supplies during the pandemic. For 70% of them, it was money.
The ADA also found that people with lower incomes are among the least likely to get access to a CGM.
Who sells surplus supplies?
Most sellers aren't businesses. They're regular people who:
- switched CGMs or pumps (see switched CGM or pump)
- had their insurance change (see insurance changed)
- got refills faster than they used them
- are clearing out a loved one's supplies (see a loved one's supplies)
Those boxes have value, but only for a while. Every month brings them closer to their dates.
Why does sealed and unexpired matter?
The FDA warns people not to buy pre-owned test strips. It says they may have been stored badly, may be expired, may have blood on them if opened, or may have had their dates changed.
That's why we only buy sealed, unexpired boxes. We check every seal and date. Opened, worn, damaged or expired items aren't accepted.
Where do sealed supplies go?
We resell sealed supplies through wholesale buyers. We don't sell supplies to the public.
What should you look for in a buyer?
- A written quote before you hand anything over
- Clear rules on what they do and don't take
- Payment at pickup, or soon after a mail-in arrives
- A real phone number and email
Our guides on avoiding scams and where to sell in Southern California go deeper.
Why do sellers choose a local buyer?
Many sellers like meeting someone in person. They can watch the boxes get checked, see the quote match and get paid right there. Others prefer mail-in because it's quick and they don't have to leave home.
We offer both. Local pickup covers San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and mail-in works from anywhere in the U.S. See our pickup areas.
What happens to supplies nobody sells or donates?
Many end up in the trash once they expire. That's a waste for the person who has them and for someone who could have used them. Checking your closet once or twice a year helps you catch boxes while they still have dating left.
What does the FDA say to buyers?
The FDA says to buy test strips from new, unopened vials. If cost is a problem, it says to talk to your health care provider. That's good advice, and it's another reason we only buy sealed boxes.
We never buy expired items, opened boxes, insulin, anything marked "NOT FOR RESALE," or OneTouch Verio, Dexcom G5, FreeStyle Libre 14-day and Guardian 4. We also don't buy supplies paid for by Medicare or Medi-Cal. See what diabetic supplies can't be sold.
Is it legal to sell diabetic supplies?
Rules vary by state and by product, and we don't give legal advice. Our article on selling test strips in California shares what we know. Ask a professional if you're unsure about your situation.
How does selling to us work?
- Check that each box is sealed and the date is still ahead.
- Take a clear photo of the front label and the expiration date.
- Send the photos through our quote form, or call or text (909) 619-5262.
- Get a written quote with a price for each item.
- Pick local pickup in the Inland Empire or mail-in from anywhere in the U.S.
- Get paid. Local sellers are paid at pickup. Mail-in sellers get Zelle within 48 hours of delivery if the items match.
There are no fees and no minimum. One box is fine. If you have strips, pods or pen needles too, send them in the same request so one quote covers everything. See how it works for more detail.
A real-life example
Say your mom in Yucaipa switched to an Omnipod 5 and a G7. Her closet still has sealed test strips and pen needles she won't use. You check the seals and dates, send photos and get one quote for everything. The boxes go back into use instead of the trash.
Who is Golden State Diabetic Supply?
We're Golden State Diabetic Supply, Inc., a local buyer based in the Inland Empire. We buy sealed, unexpired diabetic supplies from people who no longer need them. We pick up in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and we take mail-in from anywhere in the U.S.
We check every box against the same rules: sealed, unexpired, undamaged and not marked "NOT FOR RESALE." If a box doesn't pass, we tell you why. You can reach us by call or text at (909) 619-5262 or by email at sell@goldenstatediabeticsupply.com.
Keep reading
Questions
Why would someone buy used diabetic supplies?
They shouldn't. The FDA warns against pre-owned test strips, and we only buy sealed, unexpired supplies.
Who ends up with my supplies?
We resell sealed supplies through wholesale buyers. We don't sell to the public.
Can I donate instead?
Yes. See our guide on donating or selling unused supplies.
Is it legal to sell diabetic supplies?
Rules vary by state and product, and we don't give legal advice.
Put your extras to use
Send a photo of your sealed supplies for a free written quote.