Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Antidiabetics Market

Diabetes develops when the level of blood sugar increases due to insufficient or ineffective insulin secreted from the pancreas. Then, blood sugar is released via urination, which lead to “sugary urine”, or diabetes. Multiple complications may occur because of diabetes. In severe circumstances, it can be coma. Therefore, the diabetic patients must get long-term treatment so that the stability in blood sugar can be maintained and reduce the risk of complications.

Antidiabetic drugs are divided into two categories:

1. Insulin injections: Mostly used on serious cases of diabetes.
2. Oral antidiabetic drugs: Suitable for most adult patients.

There are two common types of oral antidiabetic drugs:

• Sulphonylureas: They increase insulin secretion. Chlorpropamide, glibenclamide and gliclazide are the common examples of them.
• Biguanides: Metformin is an example this type of oral antidiabetics drug.

(These drugs can only be sold on doctor’s prescription in registered dispensaries.)

Antidiabetic Drug for Type 1 Diabetes

Daily intake of insulin injections are essential for people with type 1 diabetes. Along with insulin, Type 1 diabetics must also be pretty cautious about maintaining proper eating habits, keeping blood glucose levels from going too low or too high, and monitoring blood sugar levels.

In the US, pramlintide, marketed as Amylin, is used in addition to insulin by some people with type 1 diabetes to further help control their diabetes. Amylin is not currently prescribed in the UK.

Antidiabetic Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

For people with type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise may be enough to control blood glucose levels in some. However, when diet and exercise is no longer efficient, anti-diabetic drugs may be prescribed. Medication will either be taken orally in the form of tablets (oral hypoglycemics), or be injected.

Impact of COVID-19 on Antidiabetics Market

There is a high prevalence of diabetes in patients with COVID-19. Patients with diabetes had a significantly more severe variety of COVID-19 and increased mortality, compared to the ones without diabetes. Moreover, poor glycemic control is associated with a significantly higher severe COVID-19 and increased mortality, compared to the well-controlled glycemic groups.

During this time of emergency, the demand for antidiabetic drugs has increased due to increasing awareness about serious impacts of coronavirus on the diabetic patients.

In addition, continuous R&D activities in the development of novel antidiabetic medicines from medicinal plant is expected to create huge growth opportunities in the coming years. Several laboratory studies have shown that some of the medicinal plants such as O sanctum, stem bark & seeds and Azadirachta indica leaves have antidiabetic properties and these will play significant role in the prevention, treatment and mitigation of diabetics. In November 2019, WHO has launched first insulin prequalification program to increase treatment for diabetic patients in low and middle income countries.

To sum it up, as per a statement by WHO, around 65 million people have type 2 diabetes and require insulin, but only half of them are able to use it due to high prices. This insulin prequalification is predicted to lower the insulin prices through increasing the use of quality and high performance assured products. This factor is expected to fuel the market growth in the upcoming years.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.