Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the amount of sugar in a person’s bloodstream and causes it to become too high. This type of diabetes can be caused by risk factors such as obesity and inactivity and, as shown in this figure, type 2 diabetes is more common among older individuals. Between 2023 and 2024, of those registered with type 2 diabetes in England, **** percent were aged between 40 and 64 years. Increasing prevalence of diabetes in England Between 2023 and 2024, there were over *** million people in England who were registered as diabetics. The number of individuals registered with diabetes in England has increased year-on-year since 2008. The vast majority of those registered with diabetes in England are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with over *** million, while approximately *** thousand living with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes medication By far the most used drug in England for the treatment of diabetes was metformin hydrochloride with over ** million items used in 2022 alone. Additionally, already in 2018 approximately **** percent of all prescribed drugs in primary care in England were for the treatment of diabetes. The share of prescribed diabetes drugs has steadily increased since 2005.

As of 2021, the prevalence of diabetics in the UK totaled 8.2 percent. Type 2 diabetes, highly related to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as the overconsumption of sugar and a lack of exercise, as well as aging, affects more individuals than type 1 diabetes. Between 2023 and 2024, over 3.5 million people in England were registered with type 2 diabetes, while almost 277 thousand had type 1. Type 1 diabetes Between 2023 and 2024, most people registered with type 1 diabetes in England were aged 40 years and younger, with 44.7 percent. In 2021, the UK was the European country with the second-highest number of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes after Germany, with over 31,600 cases. Treatment The NHS in the UK provides nine care processes annually to people with diabetes. Blood pressure checks, cholesterol monitoring, and foot surveillance are among those. Figures show that almost half of individuals in England with type 2 diabetes received all nine care processes between 2022 and 2023. This figure totaled 37 percent in the case of patients with type 1 diabetes. The same trend could be observed in Wales in 2021/22, where the share of type 2 diabetics receiving all care processes was double the type 1 patients.

United Kingdom UK: Diabetes Prevalence: % of Population Aged 20-79 data was reported at 4.280 % in 2017. United Kingdom UK: Diabetes Prevalence: % of Population Aged 20-79 data is updated yearly, averaging 4.280 % from Dec 2017 (Median) to 2017, with 1 observations. United Kingdom UK: Diabetes Prevalence: % of Population Aged 20-79 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Diabetes prevalence refers to the percentage of people ages 20-79 who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.; ; International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas.; Weighted average;

In 2017/18, there were almost 3.2 million people in England who were diagnosed with diabetes. The number of individuals registered with diabetes in England has increased year-on-year since 2008. Overall, the number of people with diabetes has increased by 44 percent in the ten-year interval shown.

Breakdown of diabetes types

The vast majority of those registered with diabetes in England are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with over 2.9 million registered with type 2. There were approximately 243 thousand living with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes medication

By far the most commonly used drug in England for the treatment of diabetes was metformin hydrochloride with over 21.8 million items used in 2018 alone. Additionally, in 2018 approximately five percent of all prescribed drugs in primary care in England were for the treatment of diabetes. The share of prescribed diabetes drugs has steadily increased since 2005.

The National Diabetes Audit (NDA) and the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA) provide a comprehensive view of diabetes care in England and Wales. They measure the effectiveness of diabetes healthcare against National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Guidelines and NICE Quality Standards. This is the second Young People with Type 2 Diabetes report (1). It aims to document the number of people with type 2 diabetes up to the age of 40 years, their patient characteristics and the diabetes care they receive. This is important because adverse diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes are more common in people who develop type 2 diabetes at an earlier age and it is thought the numbers of affected individuals are increasing (2,3).

Analysis of risk factors for pre-diabetes and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes among adults living in private households, using the Health Survey for England.

Between 2023 and 2024, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes were more prevalent among men than women in England. In this period, for example, **** percent of those with type 2 diabetes were male, compared with **** percent of women. This statistic displays the distribution of individuals registered with diabetes in England in 2023/24, by gender.

Between 2022 and 2023, there were 1,241 children and young people with type 2 diabetes across England and Wales, most of them were aged between 15 and 17 years. This statistic shows the number of children and young people aged 24 or below with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales from 2022 to 2023, by age and gender.

Between 2023 and 2024, over sixteen percent of all those registered with type 2 diabetes in England were Asian or Asian British. This statistic displays the share of individuals registered with diabetes in England in 2023/24, by ethnicity.

The National Diabetes Audit (NDA) provides a comprehensive view of diabetes care in England and Wales. It measures the effectiveness of diabetes healthcare against National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Guidelines and NICE Quality Standards. This NICE guidance is based on evidence that regular systematic review of people with diabetes and achievement of glucose, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk standards maintains health and reduces long term complications.

The United Kingdom's diabetes drugs market, a significant segment of the global market valued at $1.06 billion in 2025, is characterized by robust growth driven by the increasing prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The aging population and lifestyle changes contributing to metabolic disorders fuel this expansion. While a precise UK market size for 2025 isn't provided, we can extrapolate a reasonable estimate based on the global CAGR of 3.05%. Considering the UK's significant healthcare expenditure and high diabetes prevalence, a conservative estimate would place the UK market size around £200-£250 million (USD 250-310 million) in 2025. This figure is based on the assumption that the UK market represents a proportional share of the global market, considering its economic strength and healthcare infrastructure. Further growth is anticipated through 2033, driven by the continuous introduction of innovative therapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors offering improved glycemic control and cardiovascular benefits. However, the market faces constraints such as stringent regulatory approvals, pricing pressures from generics and biosimilars, and the need for improved patient adherence to treatment regimens. The market segmentation in the UK will likely mirror global trends, with insulin (basal, bolus, and biosimilars) and oral anti-diabetic drugs (Metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors) representing the major segments. Competitive dynamics are intense, with major players like Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly vying for market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. The UK market demonstrates a dynamic interplay between growth drivers and restraining factors. The increasing prevalence of diabetes continues to drive demand for newer, more effective treatment options. This demand is expected to outpace the impact of cost-containment measures and generic competition in the short to medium term. However, the long-term growth trajectory will depend on the success of newer drug classes in demonstrating superior clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness compared to existing treatments. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) plays a critical role in shaping market access and reimbursement policies, impacting the overall profitability and growth potential of various pharmaceutical companies operating within the UK diabetes drugs market. The focus on preventative measures and improved diabetes management through lifestyle modifications could also influence market growth by potentially slowing the overall increase in prevalent cases. Recent developments include: Septmber 2023: Lilly's diabetes medication Mounjaro has been given the green light by the UK regulatory body. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), approximately 180,000 individuals are projected to see positive outcomes from this innovative therapy., March 2022: Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim gained approval for heart failure treatment from the EU for sodium-glucose co-transporter-2-inhibitor (SGLT2-I) and Jardiance (empagliflozin). Previously Jardiance gained a label expansion for treating heart failure in the US.. Notable trends are: The oral anti-diabetic drugs segment holds the highest market share in the United Kingdom Diabetes Drugs Market in the current year.

The percentage of patients aged 17 or over with diabetes mellitus, as recorded on practice disease registers.

Note on ward level data This data is GP practice level data taken from Fingertips and converted to wards using our Fingertips GP to Ward Lookup Matrix for Birmingham and Solihull dataset. This dataset uses the GP census to allocate an approximate percentage of their patients to each ward based on the citizens home address.

Rationale Diabetes mellitus is one of the common endocrine diseases affecting all age groups, with over three million people in the UK having the condition. Effective control and monitoring can reduce mortality and morbidity. Much of the management and monitoring of diabetic patients, particularly patients with Type 2 diabetes, is undertaken by the GP and members of the primary care team.

Definition of numerator Patients aged 17+ years with diabetes mellitus.

Definition of denominator Total number of patients aged 17+ years registered with the practice.

Caveats None

The United Kingdom diabetes care devices market, valued at approximately £84.31 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.72% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, within the UK population fuels the demand for effective management solutions. Technological advancements in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, offering improved accuracy and convenience compared to traditional self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) methods, are significantly impacting market growth. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of insulin pumps, particularly tubeless insulin pumps, is contributing to this upward trend. These devices offer greater flexibility and improved insulin delivery compared to traditional insulin pens and syringes. The aging population and increased healthcare awareness within the UK are also contributing to this market growth. However, the high cost of advanced devices like CGMs and insulin pumps, coupled with potential reimbursement challenges, could act as a restraint. The market is segmented into management devices (insulin pumps, pens, syringes, jet injectors) and monitoring devices (SMBG and CGM systems). Major players like Abbott Diabetes Care, Roche Diabetes Care, Medtronic, and Dexcom hold significant market shares, particularly within the CGM and insulin pump segments. Competition is expected to intensify as smaller players introduce innovative products and technologies. The segmental breakdown reveals a strong performance across all categories. Within management devices, insulin pumps are expected to show the highest growth due to technological advancements and increased patient preference. The shift towards CGM within monitoring devices is also notable, driven by its superior convenience and data-driven approach to diabetes management. The increasing adoption of these advanced technologies within both hospital/clinic settings and home/personal use further underscores the market's potential for expansion. The competitive landscape features a mix of established multinational corporations and smaller, specialized companies, indicating significant innovation and investment in the UK diabetes care devices sector. Future growth will depend heavily on the ongoing development and affordability of cutting-edge technologies and the continued increase in the prevalence of diabetes across the UK population. Recent developments include: May 2023: The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) made a significant advancement by revising its guidelines to incorporate CGMs and flash glucose monitors, which are automated glucose monitoring devices, for children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This development marks a significant milestone for the United Kingdom, as it eliminates the sole reliance on fingerstick testing to monitor blood sugar levels in children. Although fingersticks have been valuable, they can induce stress and discomfort, particularly for children and their families who need to perform numerous tests daily., April 2022: Abbott, CamDiab, and Ypsomed announced they are partnering to develop and commercialize an integrated automated insulin delivery (AID) system. The initial focus of the partnership will be on European countries. The connected, smart wearable solution is designed to continuously monitor a person's glucose levels and automatically adjust and deliver the right amount of insulin at the right time, removing the guesswork of insulin dosing.. Notable trends are: Continuous Glucose Monitoring Segment is Expected to Witness a Healthy Growth Rate Over the Forecast Period.

The National Diabetes Audit (NDA) is part of the National Clinical Audit and Patient Outcomes Programme (NCAPOP) which is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) and funded by NHS England and the Welsh Government. The NDA is managed by NHS Digital in partnership with Diabetes UK. The NDA measures the effectiveness of diabetes healthcare against NICE Clinical Guidelines and NICE Quality Standards, in England and Wales. The NDA collects and analyses data for use by a range of stakeholders to drive changes and improvements in the quality of services and health outcomes for people with diabetes. This short report details the top-level findings for the 2018-19 audit. The audit collected data during May and June 2019, for the period 01 January 2018 to 31 March 2019. The top-level findings below, along with supporting data at Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Local Health Board (LHB), GP practice and specialist diabetes service have been made available to provide data back to services in a timely manner that can help drive improvements in the quality of diabetes care locally. The full report, scheduled for 2020, will contain full key findings, recommendations and results of new analyses into HbA1c check frequencies and blood glucose drug cohorts. We will communicate to users when the date for this report has been finalised. A new method of collecting structured education attendance data was trialled for 2018-19. In addition to extracting education data from GP practice systems, structured education providers could submit data directly via the Clinical Audit Platform (CAP). Around 20 providers submitted, however only a small proportion of records were submitted with the required data. This exercise has shown the potential value of this additional collection and improvements to the process are being developed to improve future collections.

Cross-tabulation of final diabetes status from UK Biobank prevalence algorithms against primary care diabetes data for linked Welsh UK Biobank participants.

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Type 2 Diabetes Market Size 2025-2029

The type 2 diabetes market size is forecast to increase by USD 53.8 billion, at a CAGR of 12.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising prevalence of diabetes, fueled by an increasing geriatric population. This demographic trend, coupled with the underdiagnosis of the condition, presents both opportunities and challenges for market participants. The large, untapped population of undiagnosed individuals represents a significant market opportunity for innovative diagnostic solutions. However, the low diagnosis rate also poses a challenge, as untreated diabetes can lead to severe health complications and increased healthcare costs. The geriatric population, with its higher susceptibility to diabetes, further exacerbates this challenge.
To capitalize on the market opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively, companies must focus on developing innovative diagnostic tools and effective patient education programs. By addressing the unmet needs in diabetes diagnosis and management, market participants can differentiate themselves and capture a larger share of this growing market.

What will be the Size of the Type 2 Diabetes Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in diabetes management, public health, and weight management. Pancreatic beta-cell destruction and the subsequent need for insulin therapy remain at the forefront of market dynamics. Diabetes burden is a significant concern, with diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy posing significant health risks. SGLT2 inhibitors have emerged as a promising treatment option, addressing both glycemic control and cardiovascular disease. Healthcare access and access to care are crucial factors shaping the market. Global health initiatives and healthcare costs are influencing the development of diabetes technology, including insulin delivery devices, glucose sensors, and remote monitoring.

Precision medicine, data analytics, and machine learning are transforming diabetes education and patient engagement. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and physical activity, remain essential components of diabetes management. Insulin resistance, insulin therapy, and HbA1c testing continue to be key areas of focus in the medical device industry. Ongoing research in areas like Genetic Testing, Stem Cell Therapy, and primary care physician engagement is further shaping the market. Health disparities, early detection, and glycemic control are critical public health concerns. Diabetes prevention and healthcare provider collaboration are essential to improving health outcomes. The market is continually unfolding, with ongoing drug development, clinical trials, and advancements in diabetes technology driving innovation.

How is this Type 2 Diabetes Industry segmented?

The type 2 diabetes industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Drug Class

  Insulin
  DPP-4 inhibitor
  GLP-1 receptor agonists
  SGLT-2 inhibitors
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Retail pharmacies
  Hospital pharmacies
  Online pharmacies


Delivery Mode

  Oral
  Injectable
  Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

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By Drug Class Insights

The insulin segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Metabolic syndrome, an autoimmune disease, and a precursor to type 2 diabetes, affects millions worldwide. The medical device industry is responding with innovative solutions, such as artificial pancreas systems and insulin delivery devices, to improve glycemic control and enhance quality of life. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing diabetes management by facilitating early detection, personalized treatment plans, and remote monitoring. Diabetes burden is significant, with complications including diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy.

Prevention and management involve lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and physical activity, as well as pharmacological interventions, including oral antidiabetic medications, insulin therapy, and newer classes like GLP-1 re

Between 2022 and 2023, there were 32,276 young people with type 1 diabetes and 1,245 with type 2 across England and Wales. The most affected were the ones with white ethnicity. This statistic shows the share of young people under the age of 24, with type 1 and 2 diabetes in England and Wales from 2022 to 2023, by ethnicity.

The size of the Insulin Drugs & Delivery Devices Market in UK market was valued at USD XXX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 1.90% during the forecast period.Insulin drugs and delivery device are major controlling agents in the management of diabetes, which is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Drugs with insulin are from either natural sources or synthetic origin and mimic the body's normal insulin hormone, that regulates blood sugar. Such drugs are administered to patients with type 1 diabetes and to patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy.There are also insulin delivery devices, intended to ensure proper administration of insulin and facilitate the process. Traditional options include syringes and pens. The most advanced devices that provide continuous release of insulin are insulin pumps, working close to natural body processes, thus being very beneficial for patients with type 1 diabetes, as they allow greater flexibility in the diet and tighter blood sugar control.Given this high prevalence of diabetes, the UK insulin drugs and delivery devices market becomes quite significant.The National Health Service provides accessible access to such medications and devices. Market drivers include an ageing population, an increase in diabetes incidence, and the technology advancements in the insulin delivery system. UK insulin drugs and delivery devices market will continue growing during those phases of changes in the healthcare landscape driven by the requirement for good diabetes management and improved patient outcomes. Recent developments include: May 2022: United Kingdom National Patient Safety Alert issued the alert about insulin leakage from the Roche Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump when paired with NovoRapid PumpCart insulin cartridges. UK regulator has taken safety action to reduce risks associated with Roche Accu-Chek Insight Insulin Pumps by issuing a national safety alert and outlining recommendations for patients., April 2022: NHS did the world's first test into a ‘sci-fi-like’ artificial pancreas. Almost 1,000 adults and children with type 1 diabetes have been given a potentially life-altering ‘artificial pancreas’ by the NHS in England as part of the first nationwide test into the effectiveness of this technology in the world.. Key drivers for this market are: , The Rise in Global Prevalence of Cases of Obesity due to Modern Sedentary Lifestyles; Rise in Awareness and Disposable Income in Developed Economies. Potential restraints include: , Highly Cost of Branded Products in Emerging Countries; Severe Adverse Associated with Medication Including Seizures, Suicidal Attempts and Even Death; Adoption of Traditional Yoga and Herbal Products. Notable trends are: Rising diabetes prevalence.

Comparison of final diabetes status from prevalence algorithms in UK Biobank versus diabetes diagnoses in secondary care data at baseline.