Market Trends of Saudi Arabia Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Devices Industry
Rising Diabetes Prevalence in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the diabetes population is expected to increase at a rate of about 7.3% over the forecast period.
More than one in ten people in Saudi Arabia were living with diabetes, and the prevalence of the disease was expected to almost double by 2045, according to the IDF report. The report further mentioned that 4.27 million people in Saudi Arabia, which has a population of about 34.8 million, have diabetes, while a further 1.86 million have the disease but are yet to be diagnosed. This figure is expected to increase to 5.6 million by 2030 and further increase to 7.5 million by 2045.
Obesity, especially central obesity, increased visceral fat due to physical inactivity, and the consumption of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods are the major contributing factors to diabetes. Several initiatives, including taxing sugary drinks, focusing on fitness programs, and focusing on preventative care, are being taken by the government to stem this epidemic. Saudi Arabia is aiming to reduce the prevalence of diabetes by 10% over the next decade.
Monitoring blood glucose levels is an optimal way to confirm and appropriately treat hypoglycemia. It can provide feedback on the results of healthy behavior interventions and antihyperglycemic pharmacological treatments. It can increase one's adherence to treatment. It can also provide information to both the person with diabetes and their diabetes healthcare team to facilitate longer-term treatment modifications and shorter-term treatment decisions, such as insulin dosing for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The Glucometer Devices Segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period
The glucometers segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of about 7.1% in the market over the forecast period owing to the increasing adoption of glucometers in home care settings, the growing preference for home-based self-monitoring, and recent product launches of advanced glucometers.
Glucose monitoring gives people living with diabetes a more complete picture of their blood sugar levels, which can influence short- and long-term treatment decisions and improve health outcomes. It allows them and their healthcare providers to assess their glycemic status and adverse effects and to determine the effectiveness of glucose-lowering therapies. Glucose monitoring has the potential to improve blood sugar management and quality of life for people living with diabetes, resulting in physical, social, emotional, and functional benefits.
Capillary blood glucose monitoring, or self-monitoring of blood glucose, is one way for people living with diabetes to measure and assess their glucose levels. It uses a drop of blood from a finger prick to get a blood glucose reading using a blood glucose meter or glucometer. Those with diabetes are advised to work with their care team to determine the frequency and pattern of testing.
In July 2022, the Saudi government announced that Saudi Arabia saw growing demand for quality healthcare services, spurred by changes including an increasing and aging population and a growing prevalence of diabetes. The government and private sector are both involved in working on healthcare entities, certifications, and regulations. The government is taking steps to have 100 percent of Saudi citizens covered by insurance and is working towards ensuring affordability, access, and quality digital healthcare and primary care with cost-effectiveness.
The aforementioned factors are likely to drive segment growth during the forecast period.
