Worldwide, 830 million people were reported to have diabetes in 2022. Diabetes management is, therefore, a vital technology sector due to the complications that can occur as a result of the condition, the importance of which is highlighted by the market's multi-billion-dollar value. IDTechEx's report, "Diabetes Management Technologies 2025-2035: Markets, Players, and Forecasts", explores new methods of glucose monitoring technologies, including innovative non-invasive approaches and insulin administration.
Trends in glucose monitoring technologies
Glucose monitoring has traditionally been done with the use of test strips and a glucometer, where multiple finger pricks in a day are required to take blood sugar readings. However, with the rise of new technologies, such as continuous glucose monitoring alongside the pricing of glucose test strips and readers, is leading to a decline in uptake and losses of market shares for big corporations.
Continuous glucose monitoring uses skin patches with microneedle sensors to reach the interstitial fluid below the skin, from which glucose concentration can be measured. These patches can communicate data to users through a smartphone app, where it can be sent and stored, and used to accumulate data throughout the day. Trends and fluctuations can, therefore, be determined and can provide contextualized glucose levels rather than users gaining limited information at randomized specific points.
IDTechEx reports that millions of CGMs are being sold annually, overtaking test strip sales in 2020, though they will not fully replace the original technology, which will remain an accessible and necessary approach to diabetes management.
CGM patches can typically remain on the body for up to a few days, reducing interference with daily life. However, one of the major players outlined in IDTechEx's report is Senseonics, a company that has launched both an implantable CGM and, in 2024, a CGM that could last up to a year. Their products can be seen to significantly contribute to the innovation occurring within the market.
Developments in non-invasive monitoring
Non-invasive monitoring is included in the future trajectory for this market in IDTechEx's report and is likely to be through a type of wearable device that can take blood sugar readings without penetrating the skin, such as a smartwatch. Several attempts at this technology have been made, though are not yet ready to be commercialized. Methods using near-infrared spectroscopy are currently drawing attention as a new approach to achieving non-invasive monitoring. The extensive data collected from CGM patches may also be an enabler in this technology becoming more accurately developed, as a wider understanding of trends across multiple users is acquired.
Streamlining insulin delivery
Insulin delivery, on the other hand, is moving away from insulin pens and further towards insulin pumps, which are slightly less repetitive in their invasiveness and can allow a bit more steadiness and control while insulin is administered. Insulin pumps can be automatically controlled when connected to a CGM, and users are not required to make constant dose calculations. IDTechEx predicts the usage of insulin pumps to grow.
Automated insulin administration may also be something to watch out for in the future, using a closed feedback loop that requires no input from users outside of mealtimes.
Striving for seamless management
The goal of many of these monitoring and administration technologies is to allow diabetes management to become as seamless and stress-free as possible, with limited interruptions throughout daily life. The future of non-invasive methods may take some of the weight off users and their repetitive processes that are still largely incumbent today.
For more information, visit IDTechEx's report, "Diabetes Management Technologies 2025-2035: Markets, Players, and Forecasts". Downloadable sample pages are available.
For the full portfolio of healthcare market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/HC.
About IDTechEx
IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.
