Optimizing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Efficiency For Diabetes Management Using Lean Six Sigma Methodologies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus requires uninterrupted access to medicines such as insulin, oral hypoglycemics, and glucose monitoring devices. However, inefficiencies in pharmaceutical supply chains frequently undermine treatment continuity. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) offers a structured framework to address these challenges through waste reduction and quality improvement.

AIM: This review aims to systematically review empirical evidence on applying LSS methodologies in optimizing pharmaceutical supply chains for diabetes management.

METHODS: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted across PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar (2015–2025), following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were screened and appraised using appropriate quality assessment tools (JBI, STROBE, MMAT). Eleven primary studies were included that were related to spanning procurement, logistics, pharmacy workflows, and clinical practice.

RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that employment of LSS improved procurement efficiency, cold-chain handling, warehouse logistics, pharmacy turnaround times, and clinical process standardization, indirectly stabilizing medication demand. However, the strength of evidence varied. Although studies with large datasets and rigorous DMAIC applications showed clear outcomes, several studies were limited by small samples, single-centre scope, or short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LSS provides measurable efficiency and safety gains across the diabetes pharmaceutical supply chain. Future research should integrate LSS with digital innovations such as AI forecasting and blockchain to strengthen sustainability.