China is the country with the highest number of diabetics worldwide, with around 141 million people suffering from the disease. By the year 2045, it is predicted that China will have around 174 million people with diabetes.

Death from diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for 1.5 million deaths in 2019. Diabetes at least doubles one’s chance of dying prematurely and many places in the world lack appropriate treatment options. The highest number of deaths from diabetes comes from the Western Pacific, where over 717,000 people died from the disease in 2021.

Obesity

One of the biggest risk factors for developing diabetes is being overweight or obese. Rates of obesity have increased in recent years in many countries around the world. In the United States, for example, it is estimated that around 32 percent of the adult population was obese in 2018, compared to 19 percent of the population in 1997.

In 2021, French Polynesia had the highest prevalence of diabetes worldwide, with around 27 percent of the population suffering from the disease. Diabetes mellitus, or simply, diabetes, refers to a group of metabolic disorders that cause high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be prevented and treated though exercise, maintaining normal body weight, and healthy eating, but is usually managed with insulin injections.

Costs

As of 2021, there were almost 540 million people worldwide who had diabetes. With such a huge number of people suffering from this disease it is no surprise that spending on diabetes can be very high. It is estimated that the United States alone spent around 380 billion U.S. dollars on diabetes health expenditure in 2021. The countries with the highest spending per patient with diabetes include the United States, Switzerland, and Norway.

Death

Diabetes is among the leading ten causes of death worldwide, accounting for around 1.5 million deaths in 2019. Complications resulting from diabetes include chronic kidney disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Risk of early death is at least doubled among those with diabetes. The Western Pacific reports the highest number of deaths from diabetes followed by the Middle East and North Africa.

In 2021, almost 17 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 79 had diabetes in Mexico. Other selected countries with a high prevalence of diabetes that year included Turkey, Spain, and the United States. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes worldwide

In 2021, an estimated 10.5 percent of the global adult population had diabetes. In concrete numbers, there were about 537 million diabetic adults (20-79 years) worldwide in 2021, and this total is predicted to grow to approximately 783 million by the year 2045.

Spending per patient

The country that spent the most on patients with diabetes in 2021 was the United States. At this time, providing for a diabetic patient here cost an average of almost 12 thousand U.S. dollars. Switzerland stood in second place, spending about 10,500 U.S. dollars per patient. In the same year, the ten countries by lowest average spending per person with diabetes were all African and Asian countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo had the lowest annual diabetes-related health expenditures per person, with about 156 U.S. dollars.

In 2021, almost 12 thousand U.S. dollars were spent per diabetic patient in the United States, making it the country with the highest average cost per person. Switzerland and Norway stood in second and third place, respectively, each spending over nine thousand U.S. dollars per patient.

Lowest spending countries

When viewing diabetes-related costs worldwide, it becomes apparent that there are significant disparities between countries. The ten countries with the lowest average annual diabetes-related health expenditures per person were all African and Asian countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo stood at the top of the list in 2021, with an average spending of about 156 U.S. dollars per person. Other countries on this list included Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and the Soloman Islands.

Anti-diabetic revenue

Revenue generated by anti-diabetic products has increased as the number of diabetcis worldwide has risen. The largest pharmaceutical company, in terms of global anti-diabetic revenue, was Novo Nordisk in 2017. The company earned roughly 13.7 million U.S. dollars that year and is projected to generate about 21 million U.S. dollars in 2024.

In 2021, the Democratic Republic of Congo was the country with the lowest spending per patient with diabetes in the world, with average annual expenditures amounting to some 156 U.S. dollars that year. Other countries with low diabetes spending per diabetic person included Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and the Soloman Islands.

Worldwide cost of diabetes

The cost of diabetes was by far the highest in North America and the Caribbean in 2021: the average cost per diabetic patient was approximately 8,650 U.S. dollars for that region. With around half that, Europe had the second-highest diabetes costs with roughly 4,320 U.S. dollars.

Diabetes in 2045

In 2021, it was estimated that around 537 million people worldwide had diabetes. By 2045, this number is forecast to reach 783 million. For adults aged 20 to 64, the number of diabetic people is expected to increase by roughly 25 percent between 2017 and 2045. For the older generation (65- to 79-year-olds), the number of diabetics will more than double in that time.

Portugal had the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe among their adult population with **** percent living with diabetes, as of 2024, Croatia followed with the second-highest share at **** percent. Conversely, Ireland was the country with the lowest prevalence of diabetes in Europe at *** percent. Diabetes-related deaths The highest number of diabetes-related deaths in Europe, at almost ******, was recorded in Germany in 2024. Italy and France followed, with roughly *******and ****** deaths, respectively. Diabetes risk factors in Europe One of the major contributing factors to type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese. As of 2022, Greece had the highest share of overweight population across Europe, with *****percent. The lack of sports and exercise is also another risk factor. As of 2022, Portugal was the European country with the highest share of people never exercising or engaging in sports, with ** percent.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) diabetes drugs market, valued at $24.99 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by rising diabetes prevalence, increasing geriatric population, and improved healthcare infrastructure across the region. The 2.81% CAGR indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). Key growth drivers include escalating urbanization leading to sedentary lifestyles and dietary changes, coupled with a rise in obesity rates. While advancements in drug development, including the introduction of innovative therapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, contribute positively, challenges remain. These include high treatment costs, particularly for advanced therapies like insulin, creating access barriers for a substantial portion of the population, especially in developing economies within APAC. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of diabetes-related complications necessitates a focus on early diagnosis and effective disease management strategies. The market segmentation reveals a diverse landscape, with oral anti-diabetic drugs (including Metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors) and insulin products holding significant market share. Competition among major pharmaceutical players like Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and Merck is fierce, driving innovation and pricing strategies. Future growth will depend on factors such as government initiatives to improve diabetes awareness and affordable access to medications, as well as the continued development of effective and safe treatment options. The market's geographical distribution across APAC highlights significant variations. Countries like China, India, and Japan, with their large populations and rising diabetes prevalence, are expected to contribute most to the overall market growth. However, variations in healthcare infrastructure and economic conditions across the region create unique market dynamics in each nation. For example, while Japan and South Korea have robust healthcare systems and higher per capita spending on healthcare, countries like India and Indonesia face greater challenges in terms of access to quality healthcare and affordability of diabetes medications. This necessitates targeted market strategies to overcome these barriers and ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments. Understanding these regional nuances is crucial for pharmaceutical companies operating in the APAC diabetes drugs market. Recent developments include: October 2023: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has introduced Zita, a new medication for the management of Type 2 diabetes in India. This triple-fixed-dose combination drug consists of Teneligliptin, Dapagliflozin, and Metformin. Priced at Rs 14 per tablet, Zita aims to enhance glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. Moreover, it is anticipated to reduce the daily expenses of therapy by 30%, thereby increasing its affordability for patients., July 2022: Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) cleared its investigational new drug application for GZR4, to improve the management of diabetes. GZR4, a new generation of once-weekly ultra-long-acting insulin, is expected to be dosed once a week by subcutaneous injection in humans to achieve smooth control of basal blood glucose for one week.. Notable trends are: Oral Anti-Diabetes Drugs Segment occupies the highest market share in the Asia-Pacific Diabetes Drugs Market in the current year.

This statistic shows the top 10 countries based on number of new cases of type 1 diabetes per 100,000 children aged 0 to 14 years, in 2021. Finland had the highest rate with 52.2 new cases per 100,000 children per year.

In 2021, close to 31 percent of the population in Pakistan had diabetes. In comparison, Vietnam had the lowest prevalence of diabetic people across the Asia-Pacific region that year, approximately six percent.

The Asia-Pacific insulin pens market, valued at $17.46 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by rising diabetes prevalence, increasing disposable incomes, and expanding healthcare infrastructure across the region. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.70% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion. Key growth drivers include a burgeoning diabetic population, particularly in countries like China and India, coupled with a growing preference for convenient and user-friendly insulin delivery systems like disposable pens and cartridges. Furthermore, increasing awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare are further stimulating market growth. While the market faces restraints such as high treatment costs and the need for continuous patient education and monitoring, the overall trajectory remains positive. Segment-wise, disposable insulin pens are expected to dominate the market due to their ease of use and reduced risk of infection, while cartridges in reusable pens may see slower growth due to higher initial investment costs. Geographically, China and India are poised to be major contributors to market growth owing to their massive diabetic populations and expanding healthcare accessibility. However, other countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia will also contribute significantly due to their higher per capita incomes and established healthcare systems. The competitive landscape is dominated by major players such as Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly, who leverage their strong brand recognition and established distribution networks. Smaller players, however, are also finding opportunities within niche segments and specific geographic markets. The forecast for the Asia-Pacific insulin pens market is optimistic, although growth will likely be influenced by factors such as government policies supporting diabetic care, the introduction of innovative insulin delivery systems, and the ongoing management of healthcare costs. Companies are focusing on strategic partnerships, product diversification, and expansion into underserved markets to gain a competitive edge. Further research and development in insulin pen technology, focusing on improved convenience, safety, and affordability, is likely to drive further market growth. The potential for personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual patient needs presents another avenue for growth, and manufacturers are increasingly investing in data-driven approaches to improve treatment outcomes and enhance patient compliance. The long-term outlook for the Asia-Pacific insulin pens market remains promising, driven by a convergence of demographic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving healthcare landscape. Recent developments include: August 2023: Kakao Healthcare, a subsidiary of Korea’s internet conglomerate Kakao, signed a business agreement with Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational healthcare firm, to provide smart healthcare services for Korean patients with diabetes., June 2023: Novo Nordisk entered exclusive negotiations for a controlling stake in BIOCORP, which would be followed by a mandatory simplified tender offer on all remaining outstanding shares in BIOCORP. BIOCORP is a French company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of delivery systems and innovative medical devices, including Mallya, a Bluetooth-enabled smart add-on device for pen injectors.. Notable trends are: Insulin Cartridges in the reusable pens segment hold the highest market share in Asia-Pacific Insulin Pens Market in the current year.

Throughout history, the human race has often faced pandemics with substantial numbers of fatalities. As the COVID-19 pandemic has now affected the whole planet, even countries with moderate to strong healthcare support and expenditure have struggled to contain disease transmission and casualties. Countries affected by COVID-19 have different demographics, socioeconomic, and lifestyle health indicators. In this context, it is important to find out to what extent these parametric variations are modulating disease outcomes. To answer this, this study selected demographic, socioeconomic, and health indicators e.g., population density, percentage of the urban population, median age, health expenditure per capita, obesity, diabetes prevalence, alcohol intake, tobacco use, case fatality of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as independent variables. Countries were grouped according to these variables and influence on dependent variables e.g., COVID-19 positive tests, case fatality, and case recovery rates were statistically analyzed. The results suggested that countries with variable median age had a significantly different outcome on positive test rate (P < 0.01). Both the median age (P = 0.0397) and health expenditure per capita (P = 0.0041) showed a positive relation with case recovery. An increasing number of tests per 100 K of the population showed a positive and negative relationship with the number of positives per 100 K population (P = 0.0001) and the percentage of positive tests (P < 0.0001), respectively. Alcohol intake per capita in liter (P = 0.0046), diabetes prevalence (P = 0.0389), and NCDs mortalities (P = 0.0477) also showed a statistical relation to the case fatality rate. Further analysis revealed that countries with high healthcare expenditure along with high median age and increased urban population showed more case fatality but also had a better recovery rate. Investment in the health sector alone is insufficient in controlling the severity of the pandemic. Intelligent and sustainable healthcare both in urban and rural settings and healthy lifestyle acquired immunity may reduce disease transmission and comorbidity induced fatalities, respectively.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Market Outlook

The global diabetic retinopathy treatment market size is poised to experience significant growth, with current estimates placing its value at USD 8 billion in 2023. Projections indicate an increase to approximately USD 13.5 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% over the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide, increased awareness about diabetic complications, and advancements in medical technology that have significantly improved treatment outcomes.

One of the primary growth factors for the diabetic retinopathy treatment market is the escalating global incidence of diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions of people. As diabetes remains a leading cause of blindness among adults, the urgency to manage and treat diabetic retinopathy effectively has intensified. Improvements in public health initiatives and increased screening for diabetic retinopathy have resulted in earlier diagnosis and treatment, thereby driving demand for therapeutic solutions. Additionally, technological advancements, such as the development of more effective anti-VEGF injections and laser therapies, have enhanced treatment efficacy, further fueling market growth.

Another critical factor contributing to the market's growth is the expanding geriatric population, which is more susceptible to diabetes-related complications, including diabetic retinopathy. The aging population in many regions, particularly in North America and Europe, is expected to drive demand for diabetic retinopathy treatments as older individuals often require comprehensive management of diabetes and its complications. Moreover, the increasing availability and accessibility of healthcare services in developing countries are aiding market growth, as more patients can now receive timely and effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy.

The continuous development and approval of innovative drugs and treatment protocols are also boosting the market. The introduction of new pharmacological solutions, such as corticosteroids and advanced anti-VEGF therapies, has provided patients with more options that offer better outcomes and fewer side effects. The collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to develop novel treatment methods acts as a catalyst for market expansion. Furthermore, government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and provide financial assistance for diabetic treatments play a crucial role in driving market growth.

Regionally, the diabetic retinopathy treatment market is experiencing varied growth rates, with North America and Europe leading due to advanced healthcare systems and high per capita healthcare expenditure. In contrast, significant growth is anticipated in the Asia Pacific region, driven by the rising incidence of diabetes and increasing healthcare investments. Countries like India and China are witnessing a surge in diabetic populations, which in turn is expected to boost the demand for diabetic retinopathy treatments. The growing awareness and improved access to healthcare facilities further support this regional growth.

Treatment Type Analysis

The treatment type segment of the diabetic retinopathy treatment market is vital as it encompasses various therapeutic approaches designed to manage this complication. Laser surgery, vitrectomy, anti-VEGF injections, and corticosteroids are the primary treatment options currently available. Each of these treatments has its unique benefits and potential drawbacks, which determine their applicability and patient preference. For instance, laser surgery is a well-established treatment modality used to manage proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. It involves using laser technology to seal leaking blood vessels, thereby preventing further vision loss. However, it is often perceived as invasive and may require multiple sessions to achieve desired outcomes.

Vitrectomy is another significant treatment option, usually recommended for patients with severe cases of diabetic retinopathy. This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel and scar tissue from the eye to improve vision. Despite its effectiveness, vitrectomy is often considered a last-resort treatment due to its invasive nature and longer recovery time. However, advancements in surgical techniques and equipment have improved its safety and efficacy, increasing its adoption among patients with advanced retinopathy.

Anti-VEGF injections have emerged as a crucia

Introduction: There is a growing need to evaluate the factors contributing to the increase in health expenditures, as well as the cost of medicines used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the economically developed countries. Areas covered: A systematic searching of studies describing the direct cost of T2DM and medicine cost of treating T2DM. The quality of the studies found eligible for this study were assessed using a methodological quality appraisal tool. Nine studies were included in this review. All the included studies had data on direct cost and antidiabetic medicine cost of health care. Mean annual direct cost per person/year ranged between US$220 and US$7600. The two components with the greatest impact on direct cost were found to be medicines and hospitalization. The mean annual medicines cost per person/year was found to range between US$140 and US$2990. Expert commentary: There is an increased expenditure on treatment of T2DM. However, it is still not clear how the increased use of antidiabetic medicines is reflected in the overall expenditures. Further, we suggest a more comprehensive understanding of prescription patterns as older drugs are more expensive than the newer drugs, hence they are still under patent.

The average cost per diabetic patient was approximately 8,650 U.S. dollars in North America and the Caribbean in 2021. This amount was far greater than for any other region. Within this region specifically, average diabetes-related health expenditure was by far the highest in the United States.

Highest spending per patient

In 2021, the average yearly cost per person with diabetes was the highest in the United States, where costs ran close to 12 thousand U.S. dollars per patient. Switzerland stood in second place that year with approximately 10,545 U.S. dollars per person per year. Sweden and Ireland were also among the ten highest spending countries.

Diabetes mellitus worldwide

In 2021, the country with the highest number of diabetic people in the world was China, which had a diabetic population of almost 141 million. India had the second-highest number of diabetics that year with 74 million people. These are, however, the world’s most populous countries. When comparing the number of diabetic people within a country to the rest of the country’s population, the results are quite different. In 2021, close to a third of the people living in French Polynesia had the condition, making it the country with the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) insulin market, valued at $7.48 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by rising prevalence of diabetes, an aging population, and increasing healthcare expenditure across the region. The 2.54% CAGR signifies a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). Key segments driving this growth include biosimilar insulins (particularly Insulin Glargine and Human Insulin biosimilars), which are gaining traction due to their cost-effectiveness compared to originator brands. The market is segmented by insulin type (basal/long-acting, bolus/fast-acting, traditional human insulins, and insulin combinations), reflecting diverse patient needs and treatment regimens. Major players like Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Biocon are actively competing in this market, leveraging their established presence and innovative product portfolios. However, market growth may be tempered by factors such as affordability concerns in certain APAC countries, variations in healthcare infrastructure, and the need for improved diabetes awareness and management programs. Growth within specific countries like China and India, with their large diabetic populations, will be crucial to the overall market performance. The increasing availability of affordable generic and biosimilar insulin products is expected to contribute to market expansion, while challenges relating to patient access and adherence to treatment regimens remain significant considerations. The diverse landscape of the APAC insulin market presents both opportunities and challenges. While countries like Japan and South Korea exhibit higher per capita healthcare spending, leading to greater adoption of advanced insulin therapies, others, particularly in Southeast Asia, face barriers related to access and affordability. Therefore, the success of market players will hinge on strategies that address these regional variations, including localized marketing campaigns, partnerships with healthcare providers, and the development of innovative distribution models to ensure wider access to insulin therapies. Furthermore, increasing investment in diabetes education and patient support programs will be crucial in promoting better disease management and improving patient outcomes, ultimately contributing to sustained market growth within the APAC region. Recent developments include: September 2023: Meitheal Pharmaceuticals has secured the exclusive licensing rights from Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical, a China-based company, to distribute three insulin biosimilars in the United States. These biosimilars consist of two rapid-acting insulins, insulin lispro and insulin aspart, as well as the long-acting insulin glargine. The parent company of Meitheal, Nanjing King-Friend Biochemical Pharmaceutical, has acquired these rights., March 2023: About three months after its approval for diabetes treatment, Hangzhou Zhongmei Huadong Pharma's Liraglutide Injection (Liluping) was also given the green light for obesity care.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising R&D Focus on the Development of Biotechnology-engineered Anti-cancer Drugs, Rapid Growth in the Usage of Pre-filled Syringes for Biologics; Increased Outsourcing Activities Across Value Chain Expected to Boost Supply of Injectable Products. Potential restraints include: High Expenses Associated with Inventory Management, Availability of Alternate Drug Delivery Methods. Notable trends are: Surge in APAC Diabetic Population is driving the market in forecast period.

This statistic shows the top 10 countries for number of children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years with type 1 diabetes in 2021. In that year, the India topped the list with around the 229,400 children and adolescents, followed by the U.S. with 157,900.

In 2021, the cost per person with diabetes in the United Arab Emirates was 2100 U.S. dollars, the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Amongst Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Oman had the lowest cost per patient with diabetes at 845 U.S. dollars.

In 2024, Switzerland had the highest health expenditure per person with diabetes in Europe, with it costing over **** thousand U.S. dollars for every person living with diabetes in the country. Whereas, in Romania it costs *** U.S. dollars on per person with diabetes. This statistic displays the health expenditure per person with diabetes in Europe in 2024, by country.

In 2024, health care spending per person with diabetes in Mexico amounted to around*******U.S. dollars. This figure is forecast to increase to nearly ***** U.S. dollars per patient by 2050. The number of adult population with diabetes in the country in 2020 added up to over ***********people, one of the highest among selected Latin American countries.

In 2024, health care spending per person with diabetes in Brazil amounted to around ***** U.S. dollars. This figure is forecast to decrease to approximately ***** U.S. dollars per patient by 2050. The number of adult population with diabetes in the country in 2024 added up to **** million people, the highest among selected Latin American countries by that time.