Episode 93 : Reusable Cartridge Insulin Pens – A Sustainable Approach to Diabetes Care

RCP Medicine Podcast

RCP Medicine Podcast
Episode 93 : Reusable Cartridge Insulin Pens – A Sustainable Approach to Diabetes Care
Oct 21, 2025

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Vincent Simpson, diabetes and endocrine registrar based in Derriford, Plymouth joins Dr Bryony Alderman, palliative medicine consultant and RCP Education Fellow in Sustainability. Together, they explore the intersection of diabetes care and environmental sustainability, focusing on Vincent’s pioneering work around reusable cartridge insulin pens.

From the initial spark of curiosity during a training session to national-level conversations with NHS England, Vincent shares his journey of uncovering the environmental impact of diabetes devices and advocating for change. The discussion covers practical steps clinicians can take, the importance of behavioural change, and how small interventions can lead to significant improvements in both patient care and environmental outcomes.

Whether you're a physician, policymaker, or someone living with diabetes, this episode offers valuable insights into how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice.

Dr Vincent Simpson and team recently won an RCP Excellence in Patient Care award for Sustainability – reducing the environmental impact of healthcare 

Resources

Paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.15409

Local guidelines: https://sustainablediabetes.short.gy/guidelines

Website: https://sustainablediabetescare.com

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-vincent-simpson

Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/drvsimpson.bsky.social

Credits

Dr Bryony Alderman, consultant in palliative medicine, is the RCP Sustainability Fellow. Financial support for this clinical fellowship was provided as an Independent Medical Education Grant from Pfizer Limited. Pfizer Limited had no involvement in candidate selection, and no influence on the work of the clinical fellowship.

RCP Links

RCP Social Media

Music:

Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com

Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

Episode Artwork Episode 93 : Reusable Cartridge Insulin Pens – A Sustainable Approach to Diabetes Care 28:59 Episode Artwork Episode 92: Respiratory - diaphragm palsy 47:41 Episode Artwork Episode 91: Giant cell arteritis 38:34 Episode Artwork Episode 90: Sustainability in the NHS 46:20 Episode Artwork Episode 89: Stroke neurorehabilitation 50:40 Episode Artwork Episode 88: Mycology Unmasked: What Every Clinician Should Know 1:35:40 Episode Artwork Episode 87: Sickle cell 35:31 Episode Artwork Episode 86: Taking action on health and healthcare inequalities 51:34 Episode Artwork Episode 85: IBD - Crohn's disease (part 2) 24:55 Episode Artwork Episode 84: IBD - Ulcerative colitis (part 1) 23:44 Episode Artwork Episode 83: Diarrhoea 27:47 Episode Artwork Episode 82: Alcohol 42:33 Episode Artwork Episode 81: Sepsis 43:38 Episode Artwork Episode 80: Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) 31:49 Episode Artwork Episode 79: Understanding Behavioural Science to Address Health Inequalities 1:19:42 Episode Artwork Episode 78: Stroke and neurology 31:36 Episode Artwork Episode 77: Sustainable QI 51:58 Episode Artwork Episode 76: Smoking and vaping 38:04 Episode Artwork Episode 75: Health Inequalities and Corporate Influence: Unveiling the Food Industry's Impact 54:51 Episode Artwork Episode 74: Osteoporosis 35:50 Episode Artwork Episode 73: Hyponatraemia (a five-step approach) 28:59 Episode Artwork Episode 72: Pandemic Preparedness: Are We Ready for the Next Global Threat? 1:11:13 Episode Artwork Episode 71: Women in healthcare-disparities in medicine and leadership 42:13 Episode Artwork Episode 70: Health inequalities and Race 48:25 Episode Artwork Episode 69: Medical practice in adults with a learning disability 30:20