Disruptive Technologies and New Industry Initiatives for Diabetes Management

Asia will continue to be a large and rapidly growing market for diabetes care technologies. To be competitive and successful in the aggressive market with numerous large and startup companies, players will need large funds, a broad portfolio with desirable differentiators and a strong distribution network. Low-cost products, subscription-based solutions, reimbursement policies and training of patients and physicians will be required to promote the adoption among low income and middle-income regions. Large players are very intent on tapping the large market potential in Asia. Many global companies have set up local presence in Asian countries and local production through OEM partners in the countries to bring down the cost of their solutions, and more companies are expected to follow. 

- Dr Sneha Maria

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2021 report, there were 537 million (1 in 10) adults living with diabetes, globally. The global diabetic population is expected to grow to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. South-East Asia has 90 million adults (1 in 11) with diabetes, and the number is expected to increase to 113 million by 2030 and 151 million by 2045. The Western Pacific region has 206 million (1 in 8) diabetic adults, and the population will reach 238 million by 2030 and 260 million by 2045. Together, these regions spent $251 billion for healthcare costs in 2021. The ethnic and genetic predisposition for diabetes among Asians, high risk of gestational diabetes, lifestyle and nutrition, and unplanned urbanisation have been attributed to the diabetic epidemic in Asia. Without stringent measures for timely diagnosis and prevention, it is impossible to control the growth of the diabetic population.

With almost half of the world’s diabetic population in Asia, it is imperative that the governments in the region and the key players in the diabetic devices industry take active steps to contain the rise in numbers. Moreover, the large diabetic population pool in Asia presents a great growth opportunity for the diabetic devices companies. The government initiatives of the different countries in the region, such as the “75/25” initiative of India, the Healthy China initiative of China, and ‘War on Diabetes’ of Singapore for diabetes prevention and control are driving the growth of diabetic solutions addressing the pressing needs in the region.