The number of diabetes patients in Korea aged 30 and older topped 6 million (2021). Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which insulin secretion that controls blood sugar is insufficient or does not function properly. Diabetes is difficult to cure and must be managed for life. If not managed, complications such as stroke and myocardial infarction can occur, and in severe cases it can lead to death. That is why Koreans are paying attention to blood sugar control.
Drugmakers are also seeking growth engines in the blood sugar management market. Diabetes medical care expenditure in Korea exceeds 3 trillion won (2022).
According to market research firm Fortune Business Insights, the global blood sugar monitoring and management market is expected to grow from 2.5 trillion won last year to 295 trillion won by 2032. Drugmakers are focusing not only on diabetes patients but also on consumers who are interested in managing their blood sugar in daily life.
A representative blood sugar management product is the personal blood glucose meter. It allows diabetes patients to measure their blood sugar levels at home without having to go to the hospital.
Personal blood glucose meters are divided into intermittent blood glucose meters and real-time continuous glucose monitors. Intermittent blood glucose meters require patients to draw blood and hold it to a sensor to check their blood sugar level. Real-time continuous glucose monitors attach a patch or sensor with a micro-needle to the skin, such as on the arm or abdomen, analyze interstitial fluid every few minutes, check blood sugar levels, and send the data to a smartphone. There is no need to prick a fingertip with a micro-needle to draw blood.
GC MS recently unveiled the personal blood glucose meter GC Fit blood glucose meter (GGP-100). By pricking the fingertip, users can check their blood sugar levels in daily life. A company official said, "There is demand for blood glucose meters mainly in developing countries," and added, "We plan to ramp up market entry focusing on Southeast Asia and Latin America."
Yuhan Corp.'s Yuhandang Check also allows individuals to measure their blood sugar. It displays blood sugar test results intuitively on a 2.5-inch screen. Older adults and patients unfamiliar with devices can comfortably check their health status. A Yuhan Corp. official said, "We have expanded into the Digital Healthcare market," adding, "We will help users manage blood sugar levels easily and accurately."
Huons' continuous glucose monitor Dexcom G7 and smart insulin pen Diacon P8 also help manage blood sugar. Dexcom G7 measures glucose concentration in interstitial fluid with a sensor attached to the skin. Diacon P8 is a pen that can inject insulin. It records insulin dose, time, and injection site, and manages the data by linking with a smartphone app. A company official said, "You can fine-tune the insulin dose and manage blood sugar precisely."
There are also ways to manage blood sugar through food. Yuhan Corp.'s Sense Balance Down Fit suppresses post-meal spikes in blood sugar and improves blood cholesterol. It contains inulin and chicory extract as ingredients whose functionality has been recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The powdered granules can be mixed with water and drunk easily like tea. A company official said, "It reflects demand from consumers interested in blood sugar, slow aging, and body shape management."
Recently, more people are also taking care of their pets' health. Daewoong Pharmaceutical recently applied to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for item approval of Enblo Pet, a diabetes treatment for companion dogs. Enblo Pet helps dogs excrete sugar in their urine. The company says it can reduce insulin dependence and enable stable blood sugar management. A Daewoong Pharmaceutical official said, "It can slow the rate at which the disease worsens."