China has seen a rapid rise in the number of people with diabetes in recent decades. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there were 114 million adults living with diabetes in China in 2019, and this number is projected to rise to 150 million by 2045. The main drivers of this diabetes epidemic include increasing rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and aging of the population.
At the same time, awareness and management of diabetes in China has significantly improved. There is a growing emphasis on self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and tight glycemic control to help prevent diabetes complications. This has created demand for innovative diabetes monitoring technologies.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Gaining Popularity
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices provide real-time monitoring of glucose levels through sensors under the skin. CGMs eliminate the need for frequent finger pricks and allow for more accurate measurement of glucose fluctuations throughout the day and night. Several studies have shown that use of CGM devices helps improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
In recent years, major manufacturers including Abbott, Dexcom, and Medtronic have launched China Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices systems in China. These devices are increasingly being adopted by hospitals and clinics across the country for inpatient and outpatient diabetes management. Some health insurance plans have also started providing partial reimbursement for CGM devices. As awareness and affordability of CGMs increase, many individuals with diabetes are also opting to use these systems to better manage their condition.
Policy and Regulatory Support
The Chinese government recognizes the heavy burden of diabetes and its socioeconomic impact. National health policies are focused on diabetes prevention as well as empowering individuals to better self-manage their condition. Key policies and initiatives supporting the adoption of advanced diabetes technologies include the National Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Plan, inclusion of CGM devices in the National Reimbursement Drug List, standardization of CGM requirements by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration, and government subsidies for diabetes care in rural areas. Manufacturers now have a streamlined regulatory pathway to introduce innovative CGM solutions in China.
Drivers and Future Outlook
Due to favorable demographics, a growing disease burden, rising affordability, improved access, and supportive regulatory policies, China's CGM device is poised for strong growth over the next decade. research firms forecast annual sales of CGM systems in China to increase by 20-25% each year. New product launches with advanced features, integration with digital health platforms, expansion to lower tier cities and towns, and further insurance coverage will help drive adoption. At the same time, Chinese domestic manufacturers are engaging in CGM research and development to address the huge demands of the local . With its large diabetes population and healthcare modernization, China presents lucrative opportunities for continuous glucose monitoring device manufacturers globally.