Diabetes Drugs Market Size, Share, Growth, Report 2026 to 2035

Diabetes Drugs Market Size and Growth 2026 to 2035

The global diabetes drugs market size reached at USD 85.76 billion in 2025 and is expected to be worth around USD 152.43 billion by 2035, exhibiting at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.92% over the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The diabetes drugs market is driven by a rapid increase in diabetes incidence around the world. For example, the number of adults with diabetes currently exceeds half a billion and is projected to rapidly increase moving forward. This increase has progressed in parallel with rates of obesity, dietary habits, decreased levels of activity, and an aging population with respect to type 2 diabetes. With more patients diagnosed and treated, demand for anti-diabetic medications will emerge that includes new classes of drugs and more forms that are user-friendly to administer.

Simultaneously, the diabetes drugs market is being driven and supported by significant innovation and access to treatment. Advances in drug delivery systems, drug discovery of new therapeutic classes (e.g. GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors), and availability of generic drug formulations will all further drive this market. Increasing healthcare expenditures, improved awareness of diagnostics for diabetes, and supportive policies from government sources will further increase access to treatment and improved market growth.

Report Highlights

• North America leads the global market with 42.4% share, backed by advanced healthcare systems and strong uptake of modern diabetes therapies.
• By Drug Type, insulin dominates the market with an estimated 44.6% share, driven by its essential role in type 1 diabetes and widespread use in advanced type 2 diabetes therapy.
• By Route of Administration, oral route of administration leads with 46.2% share, supported by high patient adherence and availability of multiple oral drug classes.
• By Distribution Channel, offline pharmacies dominate distribution with 82.5% share, as most chronic prescriptions are still filled through physical retail and hospital pharmacies.

Rapidly Rising Patient Numbers and Breakthrough Drug Innovations Fueling the Diabetes Drugs Market

The diabetes drug market is being lifted by a sharp increase in the number of patients with diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) stated that nearly 589 million adults (ages 20-79) currently live with diabetes worldwide. The World Health Organization reported the number of the adult population with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. As more patients are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, especially in low- to middle-income countries, the better the treatments available, which increases the demand for diabetes drug.

At the same time, the diabetes drugs market will also benefit from new therapy development. There are, as reported by an analysis, almost 60 approved drugs that treat diabetes caused by insulin deficiency. A 2025 Subscription Journal report shows new therapeutic processes targeting gut-microbiota modulation, miRNAs, and mitophagy in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. That allows pharmaceutical companies to create drugs that offer better delivery, less side effects, and better persistence, which creates new patients/providers, the spike in clinical practice is expanding the market further.

This data shows that rising diabetes prevalence in all regions is creating a growing patient population that is driving higher demand for diabetes drugs market growth. North America is forecasted to increase from 13.3% to 15.0% and the biggest increase is seen in the Middle East & North Africa region with an increase from 12.8% to 15.7%. South Asia and Latin America also see upward momentum with increases of 2.5% and 2.4%, indicating strong future demand for insulin, oral therapies, and modern injectables.

Market Trends

1. FDA approval of Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) for pediatric (10 years & older) type 2 diabetes

In June 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dapagliflozin for patients aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. This opens up a completely new patient group - children and adolescents - in the diabetes drugs marketplace, broadening both the potential pool of users, as well as creating additional incentive for companies to invest more in pediatric formulations and therapies.

2. Launch of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in India for diabetes and weight management

The drug tirzepatide was launched in India in 2025 with respect to type 2 diabetes and weight management (a major comorbidity). This landmark moment is helping propel a growth story for the diabetes drugs marketplace because it is tapping into regions of high prevalence (like India) and capitalizing on the overlapping obesity and diabetes issue that is broadening the scope of market demand in diabetes drugs.

3. Label update for the oral GLP-1 pill Semaglutide (Rybelsus) to include cardiovascular risk reduction

In 2025, a prominent regulatory agency approved the oral semaglutide pill for cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with type 2 diabetes, in addition to glucose control. This advancement can be considered a game-changer to the diabetes drugs market, as it establishes the clinical value of diabetes drugs beyond just sugar lowering and allows for expanded prescribing in those with cardiovascular risk, increasing the potential for uptake and premium pricing.

4. Rapid uptake and dominance of Mounjaro in Indian market value rankings

Following Mounjaro's release, the product had over INR 50 crore in sales in India, within 90 days of launching, with monthly sales increasing almost nine-fold since launch. This is a remarkable demonstration of the speed at which new diabetes drugs can penetrate emerging markets and shows an active market dynamic that validates investment into these regions, and a strong pathway forward for the diabetes drugs market in growth-geographies.

Report Scope

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Rising global diabetes cases: The diabetes drug market is benefiting from the increasing number of people who are diagnosed with diabetes each year. The increasing diabetes cases are caused by poor diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. The number of diabetes patients needing use of drugs for the remainder of their lives is helping to drive the demand for oral drugs, insulin, and therapies that are recently developed. The rising number of patients is a constant driving force in the continued production of drugs and the search for better therapies.
• Strong innovation in anti-diabetic therapies: The growth in the diabetes drugs market is aided by offerings of new drug classes (e.g., GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and dual action drugs). These new drug classes provided better blood sugar control, weight loss, and tolerability, compared to standard diabetes medications. Novel technologies, (e.g., oral GLP-1 pill and long-acting injectables), make diabetes medications easier to take. This infusion of modernity encourages uptake and supports rapid growth in the diabetes drug market.

Market Restraints

• High treatment and drug costs: Expensive drug pricing restrains the diabetes drugs market since many newly developed drugs are costly. Patients in low- and middle-income countries cannot afford to take new therapies. High drug price also inhibits insurance reimbursement and access for greater segments of the population. This slows uptake of innovative treatments.
• Limited awareness and diagnosis in developing regions: There are many people located in developing areas with undiagnosed diabetes. Poor awareness, lack of a feasible healthcare delivery system, and the absence of screening instruments limit the number of identified patients obtaining good treatment. The limited awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes limit the growth potential of the diabetes drug market in an area with greater disease burden.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion in emerging markets: Countries in Asia, Africa and South America are experiencing rapid growth in diabetes prevalence, as well as increased access to healthcare. With government spending increasing and insurance programs expanding, a wider patient population will then have access to treatment. In these countries pharmaceutical companies can develop newer therapies and grow their capabilities for millions of new patients in diabetes drugs.
• Growth of combination and personalized therapies: The diabetes drugs market has upside growth with combination drugs that treat multiple issues simultaneously. More patients will not only be treated with combination drugs, but also with personalized treatment plans based on genetics, past lifestyle choices, and comorbidities. This is allowing for better patient outcomes, clinical staff predispositions towards advanced therapies, and the ability for companies focusing on personalized drug development to differentiate their portfolios.

Market Challenges

• Safety concerns and side-effects of advanced drugs: Some diabetes drugs can have side effects such as nausea and dehydration or rash which can pose adverse yet only a few patients can experience them. Safety can also mean possibly serious complications present in certain patients which could affect their possible participation in advanced treatment. Reluctance based on safety can make healthcare providers hesitant to prescribe medications. These safety concerns delay the introduction of new products in the diabetes drugs market.
• Supply chain pressure and insulin accessibility issues: Many regions of the world continue to experience shortages in essentially all diabetes drugs, with insulin lingering near the top of the list. Supply chain pressures, capacity for manufacturing, and export restrictions can impair access to diabetic drugs. These barriers restrict patient outcomes from properly managing their diabetes. Supply chain and access to medicines directly impacts patient care and negatively affects trust in how patients care for their diabetes. Access to supply chain is a significant barrier to diabetes drugs market.

Regional Analysis

The diabetes drugs market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

North America Diabetes Drugs Market: Driven by High Diabetes Prevalence and Strong Adoption of Modern Therapies

The North America diabetes drugs market size valued at USD 36.36 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 64.63 billion by 2035. North America has the largest share, due to a higher prevalence of patients, an excellent healthcare system, and a willingness to adopt the next classes of drugs that have demonstrated value, including the GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Additionally, North America has high levels of awareness, insurance coverage, and a speedy regulatory process. Pharmaceutical companies prioritize this region in their budgets due to strong purchasing power and market demand for newer medicines. The increasing rates of obesity and lifestyle-driven risk factors continue to drive the diabetes market and foster the introduction of new products.

Recent Developments:

• Starting January 2026, California will begin selling a state-branded insulin product under the “CalRx” program. Insulin pen cartridges will be priced around USD 11 each or USD 55 for a 5-pack, which is much less than current market prices.
• Novo Nordisk announced that it will invest more than USD 4 billion to build a U.S. manufacturing facility (North Carolina) scale production of now-indicated GLP-1-injectable medications for both obesity and diabetes in support of future growth.

Asia-Pacific Diabetes Drugs Market: Driven by Rapid Growth in Diabetes Cases and Improving Healthcare Access

The Asia-Pacific diabetes drugs market size accounted for USD 17.24 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to hit around USD 30.64 billion by 2035. The Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing regional market, significantly due to increasing diabetes and urbanization, and lifestyle changes that facilitate diabetes risk factors. The rising prevalence of diabetes will closely follow the newly emerging middle class with following desire for modern drugs. In addition, governments are also investing heavily in alternative diabetes screening, awareness and accessibility programs which will further contribute to drug use. Lastly, because of its population size and rapidly increasing acceptance of branded and combination therapies, pharmaceutical companies will continue aggressively entering this region.

Recent Developments:

• With rising diabetes prevalence in the Asia-Pacific region, governments are starting new screening, awareness and access programs in health systems.
• International large companies such as Eli Lilly launched Tirzepatide (the branded name is “Mounjaro”) for diabetes/ weight loss in India after recent government approval, which shows the rapid acceptance of modern therapies in emerging markets.

Europe Diabetes Drugs Market: Driven by Government Support and Expanding Access to Modern Diabetes Drugs

The Europe diabetes drugs market size estmated at USD 21.70 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass around USD 38.56 billion by 2035. Europe continues to be a robust market due to encouraging governmental health policies, increasing screening initiatives, and wider reimbursement of advanced treatments for diabetes. There is steady market demand for both oral and injectable anti-diabetic agents spurred by an aging population and the increase of more sedentary lifestyles. Some countries have encouraged early diagnosis of diabetes that stimulates uptake of treatment. The development of new biosimilar insulins is a priority in Europe to control healthcare expenses and subsequently, increase access to treatment.

Recent Developments

• Several European countries have increased reimbursement coverage and screening for diabetes and associated complications to facilitate uptake of newer diabetes treatments.
• Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly entering the European marketplace with newer combination therapies and biosimilars to capture cost-cautious European markets.

Diabetes Drugs Market Share, By Region, 2025 (%)

LAMEA Diabetes Drugs Market: Driven by Expanding Healthcare Access and Rising Disease Burden

The LAMEA diabetes drugs market size valued at USD 10.46 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach around USD 18.60 billion by 2035. The LAMEA region is experiencing increased demand for diabetes drugs due to higher diabetes prevalence, improved health systems and accessibility of medicines, both oral and injectable. Furthermore, economic development and increased health expenditure expands patient access to regular healthcare for diabetes. An increasing number of LAMEA countries are implementing national diabetes care programs that promote the early diagnosis of diabetes and the use of diabetes medications. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers will target LAMEA for growth due to its size and increasing awareness of chronic disease management, particularly type 2 diabetes, which can lead to other chronic diseases.

Recent Developments:

• In Brazil, Novo Nordisk announced a US $1.09 billion investment to expand injectables production for diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases at its plant in Minas Gerais.
• Pharmaceuticals are expanding in key markets in the region utilizing cheap generics/biosimilars and partnerships with local companies for contracts, dispositional and distribution.

Segmental Analysis

The diabetes drugs market is segmented into drug type, route of administration, distribution channel, and region.

Drug Type Analysis

Insulin segment dominates the diabetes drugs market because it is essential for all patients with type 1 diabetes and a significant proportion of people with advanced stage type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a reliable option for blood sugar control, and no other therapeutic option can completely replace its role in many clinical contexts. Insulin is available in many forms (e.g. rapid-acting, long-acting or biosimilar versions) which fosters its availability in hospitals, pharmacies and discharge prescriptions. Thus, it continues to be a first-line treatment as recommended by many national and international guidelines, resulting in ongoing demand. The well-established clinical need for insulin and a clinical history of therapeutic success reinforces that insulin will remain the predominate drug type in the diabetes drugs market.

The non-insulin injectable class is the fastest growing segment because of the increased global demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists, which reduce glucose and assist with significant weight loss. These drugs are both attractive to patients and healthcare providers. The increasing physician confidence based on strong cardiovascular evidence produces a demand for injectable medications for diabetic therapy. The patient acceptability increases with the injections being given weekly and the emergence of new delivery devices to administer these injectables. The increasing use of GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity support this segment as the fastest growing category.

Route of Administration Analysis

Oral medications lead the market as the preferred dosage form among patients, as they are most frequently concerned with convenience (e.g. easy to store) and ease of administration. Further, oral diabetes medications are available in a variety of formulations. Metformin and oral combination therapies also drive considerable demand for oral agents, making them the primary route in treating diabetes globally. Generic drugs further support affordability and accessibility for oral treatments.

Diabetes Drugs Market Share, By Route of Administration, 2025 (%)

Subcutaneous is the fastest growing route of administration due to the adoption of injectable therapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists and new insulins globally. These drugs can facilitate improved clinical outcomes and engage in weight reduction, which will further drive demand. New classes of long-acting injectable therapies also contribute to the rapid growth in this market. A number of companies are working on developing easier injection devices, which also supports patient adoption.

Distribution Channel Analysis

Offline pharmacies are the dominant distribution channel, due to the fact that most patients still get their chronic medications from hospital pharmacies and retail pharmacies. Pharmacists play a huge role in guiding patients with dosing and treatment schedules. Additionally, certain regions have limited access to digital healthcare, which continues to bolster offline channels.

Diabetes Drugs Market Share, By Distribution Channel, 2025 (%)

Online pharmacies are the fastest-growing distribution channel due to growing digital adoption and from the ease of home delivery option. Patients with chronic diseases prefer refills through online pharmacies because it's easier and often times cheaper. Some of these extremely complicated chronic care therapy treatment plans need doc appointments, and telehealth is becoming more popular, as is insurance coverage for digital orders. Some online pharmacies also offer pricing comparable & subscription based refills, and it's becoming a more attractive channel reaching more users each year.

Diabetes Drugs Market Top Companies

• Bayers AG
• Johnson & Johnson
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Novo Nordisk
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• AstraZeneca
• Eli Lilly and Co.
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis AG
• Sanofi
• Merck & Co.
• Sun Pharmaceuticals

Recently Introduced Diabetes Drugs

Insulin Icodec – Once-Weekly Basal Insulin by Novo Nordisk (Introduced 2024)

• Novo Nordisk introduced Icodec in early 2024. It is the first once-weekly basal insulin approved in various regulatory regions, including Europe and Canada. This long-acting insulin eliminates the need for daily injections and is intended to improve diabetes management for many patients. This product increases treatment convenience and may contribute to better adherence for patients who have difficulty managing multiple daily injections. Its introduction is significant for insulin therapy and largely enhances Novo Nordisk's competitive position in diabetes drugs.

Merilog (Insulin Aspart-szjj) – First Rapid-Acting Biosimilar by Sanofi (Introduced 2025)

• Sanofi introduced its Merilog in 2025 as the first insulin biosimilar to Novolog® and quickly received approval as a rapid-acting insulin. Patients have a lower-cost option to use for rapid-acting insulins when diabetes care is already expensive. Biosimilars generate similar clinical outcomes while mitigating costs of overall treatment to the patient and healthcare costs. Its introduction will lead to greater competition in the insulin category and be a vehicle to obtain broader use of rapid-acting insulin therapies.

Liraglutide 6 mg/ml Injection – New GLP-1 Approval by Biocon (Introduced 2025)

• In 2025, Biocon received approval for its Liraglutide 6 mg/ml injection that can also be utilized in potential markets like India. It is available in a pre-filled pen format allowing for safer and easier administration for patients while managing their type-2 diabetes. As GLP-1 drugs become more frequently utilized due to their glucose-lowering, and weight-control capabilities, Biocon's entry enhances competition in this growing class. Approval of a GLP-1 product contributes to widening treatment options in emerging foreign, low and middle income markets, and increasing access to modern diabetes therapies.

Market Segmentation

By Drug Type

• Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs
  
  • Biguanides
  • Dopamine D2 Receptor Agonist
  • Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
  • DPP-4 Inhibitors
  • SGLT-2 Inhibitors
  • Meglitinides
  • Sulfonylureas
• Insulin
  
  • Bolus / Fast-acting Insulins
  • Basal / Long-acting Insulins
  • Biosimilar Insulins
  • Traditional Human Insulins
• Non-insulin Injectable Drugs
  
  • Amylin Analogues
  • GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
• Combination Drugs
  
  • Oral Combination Drugs
  • Insulin Combinations

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Intravenous
• Subcutaneous

By Distribution Channel

• Online Pharmacies
• Offline (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies)

By Region

• North America
• APAC
• Europe
• LAMEA