China Diabetes Market Size, Share, By Type (Insulin, Oral Anti-Diabetic Drugs, Non-Insulin Injectable Drugs, and Combination Drugs), By Distribution Channel (Online Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, and Retail Pharmacies), and China Diabetes Market Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

China Diabetes Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• China Diabetes Market Size 2024: USD 5.20 Billion
• China Diabetes Market Size 2035: USD 11.70 Billion
• China Diabetes Market CAGR 2024: 7.65%
• China Diabetes Market Segments: Type and Distribution Channel. 

The China diabetes market includes diabetes diagnosis, treatment, care for life with diabetes, and it includes all medications, insulin delivery devices, glucose monitoring devices as well as digital care services. This includes hospitals, outpatient clinics, retail pharmacies, and home care solutions that support prevention, monitoring and complication control for an ever-increasing number of patients suffering from diabetes. The growth of this market is driven primarily by increasing urbanization, an increasing percentage of the population who are elderly, and an increasing prevalence of obesity which in turn has contributed to an increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus. In addition to the primary drivers of the market, health insurance coverage is expanding, there is now broader access to diabetes screening, and there is an increasing adoption of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Smart Insulin Devices which will improve diabetes management for currently diagnosed diabetes patients. Thus, there will be continued expansion of the China diabetes market.

The diabetes market in China is directed by the Healthy China 2030 strategy and national reimbursement policies. The government is expanding coverage for insulin, testing supplies, monitoring devices, providing primary care follow-up, stimulating domestic medical innovation, promoting the use of digital health management to make diabetes care more affordable, and facilitate early diagnosis of patients with diabetes in order to improve long-term control of diabetes throughout the country.

A major trend in the diabetes market in China is that the industry is shifting toward more convenient care options supported by technology. Patients are increasingly using wearable glucose sensors to monitor their glucose levels, mobile applications to track their glucose levels, and online consultations to communicate with their healthcare providers about their diabetes management. Additionally, there is growing demand for longer acting diabetes therapies as well as the growth of retail pharmacies and ecommerce alternatives to assist patients with refilling their prescriptions and managing their diabetes on a daily basis.

Market Dynamics of the China Diabetes Market:

The Chinese diabetes market is rapidly growing through a variety of factors such as increasing elderly population, urbanization resulting in less exercise, and rising levels of obesity. In addition, improvements in healthcare have resulted in more thorough screenings being conducted at an earlier age as well as long term adherence to prescribed medications by a greater number of individuals with diabetes. Increased insurance coverage coupled with government provided diabetes prevention support has also aided in improving both the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes and the ability for diagnosed individuals to receive medications, equipment, and technology enhanced glucose monitoring systems.

There are numerous barriers to entry into the Chinese diabetes market including high costs associated with new technology-based therapies and diabetes monitoring systems resulting in very expensive long term diabetes management for many individuals diagnosed with diabetes. There are many disparities in access to medical care in more rural areas of China, which results in a lack of regular diabetes screenings and follow up evaluations. Government price ceilings on diabetes medications discourage innovation, while a lack of patient education combined with a lack of consistent treatment adherence to prescribed medications usually results in poor treatment outcomes and limited utilization of advanced diabetes management solutions.

The Chinese diabetes market has a number of opportunities for companies that capture the expanding market share by marketing continuous glucose monitoring systems, smart insulin pens and remote patient monitoring systems. The emergence of a preventive health mindset among Chinese consumers has driven a growing demand for nutritional counselling, wellness programs, and preventive healthcare. There is a growing private healthcare system in China, as well as many new community pharmacy locations, which have increased access to healthcare, while a growing demand for personalized therapies are driving innovation within the industry.

Market Segmentation

The China diabetes market share is classified into type and distribution channel.

By Type:

The China diabetes market is divided by type into insulin, oral anti-diabetic drugs, non-insulin injectable drugs, and combination drugs. Among these, the oral anti-diabetic drugs segment dominated the share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The dominance is driven by the large number of patients in early and mid-stage diabetes where tablets are preferred as first line therapy. They are affordable, convenient, and widely prescribed, which supports better adherence and consistent long-term use across healthcare settings.

By Distribution Channel:

The China diabetes market is divided by distribution channel into online pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and retail pharmacies. Among these, the hospital pharmacies segment is projected to hold the largest share during the forecast period. This segment leads because most diabetes patients in China rely on hospital consultations for diagnosis and prescription refills. Hospitals remain the primary treatment centers, and insurance reimbursement is often linked to hospital dispensing, encouraging patients to purchase medicines there and ensuring regular physician supervision and trust.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organisations/companies involved within the China diabetes market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

Top Key Companies in China Diabetes Market:

• Novo Nordisk
• Sanofi
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Medtronic
• Abbott Laboratories
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche
• Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals
• Tonghua Dongbao
• Hengrui Medicine
• CSPC Pharmaceutical Group
• Others

Recent Developments in China Diabetes Market:

In January 2025, Eli Lilly and Company launched the weekly injectable therapy mounjaro in China, improving availability of modern glucose control treatment and enhancing patient access to long-acting diabetes management options across hospitals.

In November 2024, Novo Nordisk introduced the GLP-1 based drug wegovy in China, supporting diabetes and obesity management while encouraging adoption of advanced injectable therapies and strengthening its presence in the metabolic care market.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the China, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the China diabetes market based on the below-mentioned segments:

China Diabetes Market, By Type

• Insulin
• Oral Anti-Diabetic Drugs
• Non-Insulin Injectable Drugs
• Combination Drugs

China Diabetes Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies