Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market

Market Overview

The global clinical nutrition for diabetes care market size was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 6.3 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The growing demand for specialist food products among people with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease is a significant element in the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market share. 

Clinical nutrition for diabetes care refers to specialized dietary interventions and nutritional strategies designed to manage and improve the health outcomes of people with diabetes mellitus. It entails using evidence-based nutrition treatment to help diabetic patients maintain blood sugar control, avoid complications, and enhance their overall metabolic health.

In recent years, the market for clinical nutrition products and services aimed at diabetes management has expanded significantly. This expansion can be ascribed to several factors, including rising diabetes prevalence worldwide, increased knowledge of the importance of nutrition in diabetes management, advances in nutritional research and technology, and a greater emphasis on preventive healthcare.

Furthermore, the trend toward customized treatment and the use of novel approaches, such as digital health solutions and telemedicine, have propelled the growth of the clinical nutrition market for diabetes care. With the continuous emphasis on holistic methods of managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, the market for clinical nutrition solutions will grow further in the coming years.

Highlights

• Oral accounts for the largest market share by product.
• Adults hold the significant share of the market by stage.
• Institutional sales dominate the market through sales channels.

Market Dynamics

Global Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes

Diabetes has progressively increased globally in recent decades, owing to causes such as sedentary lifestyles, bad food habits, and rising obesity rates. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 537 million adults (aged 20-79) globally will have diabetes in 2023, accounting for 10.5% of all adults in this age range. This figure is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. This considerable increase in diabetes prevalence highlights the critical need for effective methods to control the condition and reduce its effects on public health.

Additionally, the IDF Diabetes Atlas provides extensive information on the global prevalence of diabetes. According to the IDF's most recent estimates, diabetes affects one in every ten persons aged 20 to 79 years, and the prevalence is anticipated to rise further in the future years. Diabetes prevalence is increasing, especially in low- and middle-income nations, where rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes add to the disease's impact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects 38.4 million individuals in the United States, accounting for 11.6% of the population. Of those, 29.7 million people have been diagnosed, including 29.4 million adults, while 8.7 million remain undiagnosed. According to the CDC, 97.6 million persons aged 18 and older have prediabetes, accounting for 38.0% of the adult population in the United States. Prediabetes affects 27.2 million people aged 65 and over, accounting for 48.8%. Diabetes is the eighth most significant cause of death in the United States, with type 2 diabetes accounting for 90–95 percent of all diagnosed cases. The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled in the last two decades as the American population has gotten older and more overweight or obese.

Moreover, the increased prevalence of diabetes is driving up demand for healthcare services, including clinical nutrition therapies tailored to the specific needs of people with diabetes. As healthcare systems worldwide face the problems of managing diabetes and its consequences, there is an increasing acknowledgment of the value of nutrition therapy in diabetes treatment and the significance of clinical nutrition products and services in improving patient outcomes.

Global Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market Restraints

High Cost of Specialized Products

Specialized clinical nutrition solutions for diabetes control can be more expensive than ordinary dietary supplements or conventional foods. The high cost of these products may restrict access for patients, particularly those from low-income families or locations with inadequate healthcare resources. Cost-conscious healthcare systems and financial constraints may also limit the use of specialized clinical nutrition therapies in diabetes management. 

Furthermore, diabetic-specific enteral formulae or medical foods may be much more expensive per serving than generic enteral formulas or over-the-counter nutritional supplements. According to a 2020 survey, the average daily cost of commercial enteral formulas is USD 154.44 for 2000 kcal. However, the direct costs of enteral nutrition can range from USD 80 to USD 200 per day, which includes formula, tube-feeding supplies, and oral pancreatic enzymes. This increased cost can be attributable to R&D costs, specialty formulas, and specialist market positioning.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Economics also examined the cost-effectiveness of specialist medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes management vs standard care. The average annual cost per patient was USD 41, with a savings of USD 4,145 for type 2 diabetes patients and USD 9,990 for type 1 patients. The study also discovered that MNT can lead to a higher quality of life and significant financial savings. The study found that while specific MNT interventions improved clinical outcomes and quality of life in diabetic patients, they also increased healthcare expenses due to the increasing cost of specialized nutritional items and services. This emphasizes the economic burden that comes with the high cost of specialized therapeutic nutrition items in diabetic care. 

Global Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market Opportunity

Growing Demand for Personalized Nutrition Solution

As the value of customized healthcare becomes more widely recognized, there is an excellent opportunity to tailor clinical nutrition therapies to the specific needs of diabetic patients. Technology advancements, such as artificial intelligence, genetic testing, and wearable devices, allow healthcare providers to collect and analyze data to create personalized nutrition plans based on genetic predispositions, metabolic profiles, eating preferences, and lifestyle habits. Companies in the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market can better meet patients' changing demands and enhance treatment outcomes by providing customized nutrition solutions.

Furthermore, a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine found that tailored nutrition treatments helped improve dietary adherence and metabolic outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients. The researchers compared a tailored nutrition intervention based on genetic and phenotypic data to a regular nutritional intervention. Participants in the personalized nutrition group saw more significant improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles than those in the conventional dietary group, demonstrating the potential of tailored nutrition solutions in diabetes care.

According to a poll by the International Food Information Council Foundation, 56% of customers want personalized nutrition recommendations based on their genetics, lifestyle, and health status. This growing need for tailored nutrition solutions allows firms in the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market to create innovative goods and services that address individual dietary demands and preferences.

Regional Analysis

The global clinical nutrition for diabetes care market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global clinical nutrition for diabetes care market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. In 2023, North America held 35% of the clinical nutrition for the diabetes treatment market. A solid healthcare infrastructure, advantageous reimbursement regulations, and the existence of prominent clinical nutrition companies all contribute to the region's significant market share. Furthermore, solid governmental and private investment in healthcare and shifting toward more holistic treatment regimens have benefited the region's market growth.

Additionally, according to Diabetes Canada's February 2023 prebudget proposal, roughly 2.4 million people in Ontario, or 30% of the population, will have diabetes or prediabetes in 2023. According to the proposal, diabetes prevalence in Ontario is predicted to climb by 25% over the next decade. Such disorders necessitate long-term therapeutic nutritional support; diseases like diabetes are likely to drive market expansion during the forecast period. 

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. The clinical nutrition for diabetes treatment market in Europe was the second-largest regional market in 2023. The Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group (DNSG) of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) recommends consuming plant-based, minimally processed foods to manage diabetes, citing scientific data. Individuals with diabetes in Europe can effectively manage their illness, prevent complications, and enhance their overall quality of life by adhering to evidence-based dietary recommendations and obtaining personalized medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

In addition,  England's type 2 diabetes patients are excused from paying for their drugs, which encourages adherence to their approved treatment plans due to the availability of free prescriptions. Positive government actions would help to promote the country's market growth.

Asia-Pacific holds a significant market share. The clinical nutrition for diabetes treatment market in Asia-Pacific will increase over the next several years. According to PubMed, the increasing incidence of diabetes in the Asia-Pacific area is a significant concern, with more than 60% of diabetics living in Asia, particularly in China and India. With the increased prevalence of diabetes in the Asia-Pacific area, there is a growing realization of the significance of implementing effective measures to address these difficulties, including optimal dietary management for diabetics. Baxter International Inc., a global clinical nutrition company, has spearheaded programs in India to improve awareness about the correct diabetes diet. Furthermore, in August 2022, Bayer introduced a tablet to treat chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes.

Segmental Analysis

The global clinical nutrition for diabetes care market is segmented based on product, stage, and sales channel.

The product is further segmented into Oral, Enteral Feeding Formulas, and Parenteral Nutrition.

Oral clinical nutrition for diabetes care led the market, accounting for 70%. Oral nutrition products include various nutritional supplements, specialty foods, and meal replacements intended to be ingested orally as part of a person's regular diet. These products are often available in various formats, including powders, shakes, bars, and ready-to-drink beverages. Individuals with diabetes who can maintain enough oral intake benefit greatly from oral nutrition, providing essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. These items are practical, easy to use, and may be incorporated into daily meal plans to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar, weight, and general nutritional needs. 

Enteral feeding formulae in diabetes care will increase during the projection period. The need for diabetes-specific enteral feeding formulae is rising, owing to several studies demonstrating their efficacy in managing diabetic patients who require enteral nourishment. DSFs outperformed standard formulae regulating HbA1c and insulin responsiveness in diabetic individuals on enteral feed. As a result, using diabetes-specific enteral feeding formulae provides advantages regarding blood sugar control and comprehensive treatment for diabetes patients who require enteral nourishment.

By stage, the market can be further bifurcated into Adult and pediatric. 

Adults dominated the diabetic clinical nutrition market in 2023, with a share of more than 80%, owing to the rising prevalence of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition among adults. The adult segment of the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market includes products and services designed to fulfill the dietary demands of adults with diabetes. This market encompasses various oral nutrition products, enteral feeding formulae, and parenteral nutrition solutions to improve blood sugar control, weight management, and overall nutritional adequacy in adult diabetes patients. 

Additionally, adults are more likely to have diminished muscle strength, vitamin and calcium deficiencies among women over the age of 30, apathy, lowered immunity, hypertension, and weariness. This causes nutritional insufficiency among the adult population. According to the OECD, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh significantly contribute to the global burden. The adult group is also expected to increase quickly during the projection period. Globally, the number of persons with diabetes is increasing due to increased urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and bad eating habits. Physical inactivity is common in adults and contributes to poor blood sugar control, weight gain, and insulin resistance. The growing geriatric population is also a crucial factor driving category growth.

Pediatric nutrition interventions seek to deliver age-appropriate nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy growth and development, encouraging optimal nutritional status and minimizing diabetes-related problems in children.

Based on sales channels, the market is fragmented into Online, Retail, and Institutional Sales.

Institutional sales dominated the market, accounting for more than 45% of total revenue. Institutional sales refer to distributing clinical nutrition items for diabetic care to healthcare institutions such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, and rehabilitation centers. This sales channel is for healthcare professionals and institutional caregivers who manage the dietary needs of diabetic patients in clinical settings. Institutional sales may include large purchases of oral nutrition supplements, enteral feeding formulas, and parenteral nutrition solutions for patient care and treatment regimens. 

Moreover, the increased prevalence of diseases, combined with innovations in hospital care, increases patient hospital visits, driving the industry. Furthermore, as patient awareness grows, the inclination to receive diabetic care nutrition prescriptions through formal hospital channels has increased.

The online sales segment is expected to grow the fastest over the projected period. Online sales deliver clinical nutrition items for diabetes management via e-commerce platforms, company websites, and online marketplaces. Consumers looking for therapeutic nutrition solutions for diabetes treatment will find this sales channel convenient, accessible, and with a diverse product offering. Patients and caregivers can explore, purchase, and receive products such as oral nutrition supplements, enteral feeding formulas, and specific dietary foods from the convenience of their homes, with the option of home delivery. 

Telemedicine and pharmacy advancements have made it easier to distribute clinical nutrition products globally, allowing manufacturers to reach out to underrepresented areas. As a result, online sales are increasing as customer demand for diabetes care supplements rises through online platforms and businesses.

Recent Developments

• April 2024- Nestlé India and Dr. Reddy's formed a joint venture to take their health science nutraceutical portfolio to consumers in India and other agreed regions.
• February 2024- GSK completed its acquisition of Aiolos Bio.