Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2026-02-05 01:20Core Viewpoint - The diabetes medication market in China is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes driven by an aging population and rising obesity rates, alongside improvements in healthcare infrastructure and public awareness [1][8]. Industry Overview - Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin secretion and/or utilization defects, classified into Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, and other specific types [2]. - Diabetes medications are categorized into eight classes, including insulin secretagogues, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, insulin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists [2]. Market Growth - The market size for diabetes medications in China is projected to grow from 47 billion yuan in 2016 to 80.2 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.91% [1][8]. - By 2025, the market size is expected to reach approximately 85.7 billion yuan [1]. Patient Demographics - The number of diabetes patients in China is expected to increase from 118 million in 2016 to 148 million by 2024, with a CAGR of 2.87% [6][8]. - The adult diabetes prevalence rate in China is currently at 13.79%, which is significantly higher than the global average [6]. Competitive Landscape - The diabetes medication industry in China features a tiered competitive structure, with multinational companies like Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca leading the first tier due to their innovative drug development capabilities [8]. - Domestic companies such as Tonghua Dongbao, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, and Huadong Medicine are emerging as strong competitors in the second tier, particularly in insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents [8]. Industry Trends - Future research and development in diabetes medications will focus on precision and individualized treatment, targeting specific mechanisms of Type 2 diabetes [12]. - The industry is expected to prioritize long-acting, multi-target drugs that modify disease progression, moving beyond mere blood sugar control [13]. - Companies will shift from being mere drug providers to comprehensive health management partners for diabetes patients, utilizing digital health technologies for continuous monitoring and personalized care [14].