Diabetes epidemic in China provides lucrative opportunity for anti-diabetic drugs

The number of people with diabetes in China is set to soar 37% from 118 million to 162 million by 2030, according to independent analyst firm Datamonitor Healthcare.

More than half of the diabetes cases in China are found in urban areas of the country, with lifestyle factors, living standards and increasing urbanisation rates causing the growth. Population changes, population aging and a substantial increase in obesity cases are also major demographic drivers of the epidemic. Despite the considerable number of diabetes cases in China, only a small proportion of affected individuals are aware they have the disease and are therefore more at risk of heart disease or suffering a stroke.

Sabada Dube, an analyst at Datamonitor Healthcare, said: “China is experiencing a serious transition phase where chronic diseases like diabetes are becoming more prominent than infectious disease. Although rates in urban areas are higher, urbanization may prove positive for diabetes suffers in China, as diagnosis rates in these areas are higher. Improved or earlier diagnosis will enhance the survival of patients.”