Diabetes, the disease of the century

Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, i.e. an excess of sugar in the blood, resulting in excessively high glucose levels. Over time, this hyperglycemia leads to the deterioration of many organ systems, particularly nerves and blood vessels.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1, which affects around 6% of diabetics, and type 2, which affects 92%.

• Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, but can also occur in adulthood. The exact causes are not known, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Treatment usually involves insulin injections or an insulin pump to meet the body's insulin needs.
• Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. Type 2 diabetes often develops in adulthood and is often associated with obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. Treatment may include a combination of dietary changes, weight loss, physical activity and oral medication or insulin injections.

The world's population is widely affected

In recent years, diabetes has become one of the world's leading causes of death. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), around 2 million people will have died as a result of diabetes or diabetes-related kidney disease in 2019. An estimated 537 million people worldwide are currently living with diabetes, representing 10.5% of the global population. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 643 million (or 11.3% of the population), and by 2045 to 783 million (or 12.2% of the population). Factors such as an aging population, increasing obesity and physical inactivity, and growing demand for improved treatment options and self-management solutions are driving revenue growth in the industry.

An industry brimming with opportunities

Fortunately, diabetes can be detected early and is now well treated, helping to avoid or reduce long-term adverse consequences. This thematic list includes companies involved in diagnosis, treatment, and the supply of equipment and techniques to detect the various forms of the disease and treat patients. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop and produce drugs such as insulin analogues, oral antidiabetics, GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors.

A huge market

Worldwide, diabetes-related healthcare expenditure has been estimated at nearly US$966 billion in 2021. The countries that spend the most per diabetic patient are the United States, Switzerland and Norway. In 2021, the United States spent around $11,779 per diabetic patient. Diabetes treatment is therefore also a huge pharmaceutical sub-market.

This thematic list identifies the industry's main direct and indirect players. Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Sanofi are among the leading companies in this market. The rest of the list includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechs and medtechs.