Argentina Diabetes Drug Market Overview, 2030

The Argentina diabetes drug market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by increasing disease prevalence, advancements in treatment technologies, supportive regulatory frameworks, and growing awareness among patients and healthcare providers. In terms of expenditures, while precise figures for per-person spending on diabetes drugs are not fully disclosed, estimates suggest an average spend of around USD 3500 per diabetic annually on medications alone, with higher outlays when factoring in devices and digital tools. Patient demand for advanced technologies such as CGMs and smart insulin pens is rapidly increasing, especially in urban centers like Buenos Aires, where nearly 46% of patients expressed interest in switching to CGMs. However, access remains unequal, particularly in rural areas, where supply chain issues and affordability remain barriers. For instance, drug prices increased by an average of 115% in 2023, leading to a 40% decline in pharmacy sales early in 2024. Many diabetic patients now face out-of-pocket expenses for basic supplies like test strips. The regulatory front, Argentina has embraced biosimilar drugs, with companies such as Laboratorios Richmond and mAbxience manufacturing insulin biosimilars locally, contributing to reduced dependence on imports and enhancing drug affordability. The government has also introduced policies to promote generic usage, regulate drug pricing, and integrate digital health solutions through telemedicine and remote monitoring, particularly via national chronic disease programs.

According to the research report ""Argentina Diabetes Drug Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Argentina Diabetes Drug market was valued at more than USD 700 Million in 2024. The urbanization and sedentary lifestyle associated with major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario are also contributing to a significant increase in obesity and metabolic disorders both precursors to diabetes. According to national health statistics, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults exceeds 60%, further accelerating the onset of diabetes. Pharmaceutical demand for antidiabetic drugs especially oral hypoglycemics and newer injectables has seen consistent growth. The government's push for universal health coverage has positively influenced access to chronic disease treatment, including diabetes. Various social security schemes such as PAMI and INSSJP offer partial or full reimbursement for essential antidiabetic medications, expanding treatment coverage across lower-income and elderly populations. Public hospitals are also increasingly stocking essential diabetes drugs due to national health campaigns, boosting bulk purchasing by the state. However, this increased access has also sparked demand-side pressure, leading to drug shortages and the need for local production. Domestic pharmaceutical companies are capitalizing on this by ramping up production of generics and biosimilars, especially insulin analogs, to cater to cost-sensitive segments. According to recent healthcare reports, there has been a 35% rise in the use of remote glucose monitoring systems in the past two years. In recent years, Argentina has also witnessed a spike in investment in diabetes-related digital tools, such as telemonitoring platforms and mobile health apps, which have become essential in managing patient compliance and remote care. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and remains strong, particularly in private urban clinics.

Insulin remains a cornerstone in diabetes management, particularly for Type 1 diabetes and advanced Type 2 cases. The government includes various insulin types such as rapid-acting, long-acting, and premixed formulations under national coverage programs like the National Diabetes Program (PRODIABA), improving accessibility and sustaining steady demand, especially among low-income groups. Moreover, due to increasing obesity and sedentary lifestyles, there’s a growing need for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, which not only control blood glucose but also support weight loss. Though traditionally expensive, recent efforts to improve healthcare coverage have led to a gradual rise in prescriptions of GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide and semaglutide. These are gaining popularity among the urban middle class, particularly in private healthcare settings. DPP-4 Inhibitors are widely accepted due to their favorable side effect profile and ease of use, especially in elderly populations who form a significant diabetic demographic in Argentina. Drugs such as sitagliptin and linagliptin have seen stable growth due to their compatibility with other therapies and low risk of hypoglycemia, making them ideal for a country with an aging population. Meanwhile, SGLT2 Inhibitors, including dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, are gaining rapid traction, especially after the publication of global and regional studies highlighting their cardiovascular and renal benefits. In Argentina, where heart disease is a major co-morbidity of diabetes, these additional advantages drive increasing demand among both endocrinologists and general practitioners. The ""Others"" category which includes metformin, sulfonylureas, and combination therapies remains foundational in the market. Metformin is typically the first-line treatment and is widely available through public healthcare programs.

Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, accounts for a smaller share of the diabetic population in Argentina but demands lifelong insulin therapy. Argentina’s public health system provides insulin as part of its universal coverage policy, reflecting the country’s strong emphasis on accessibility. However, there is a growing preference for advanced insulin delivery systems, such as insulin analogs and insulin pens, due to their convenience and better glycemic control. This segment shows increased demand for fast-acting insulin analogs and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, especially among younger patients and urban populations. In recent years, government initiatives like the National Diabetes Program have ensured a more structured supply of insulin and glucose strips, supporting equitable access for Type 1 patients. Type 2 diabetes constitutes the vast majority of oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin remain the first line of treatment and are widely prescribed due to their cost-effectiveness and inclusion in the national essential medicines list. However, newer drug classes like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are gaining popularity due to their cardiovascular and renal benefits, which are crucial given the high prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease among Argentine diabetics. GLP-1 receptor agonists also attract demand from patients with obesity due to their weight-reducing properties.

Oral medications dominate the market due to their convenience, affordability, and widespread use in managing Type 2 diabetes, which constitutes the majority of diabetes cases in Argentina. Oral hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin and sulfonylureas, are often first-line treatments and are widely prescribed through both public and private healthcare systems. Their accessibility and ease of administration without the need for clinical intervention make them highly preferred, especially in remote and under-resourced areas. Subcutaneous drugs, including various forms of insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, are crucial for both Type 1 diabetes patients and advanced Type 2 cases where insulin therapy becomes necessary. Argentina has seen a rising demand for long-acting and ultra-long-acting insulins due to their ability to provide stable glycemic control and reduce the frequency of injections. Subcutaneous administration requires proper storage and patient education, making its distribution more dependent on trained medical staff and urban centers. On the other hand, intravenous administration is reserved primarily for acute settings, such as diabetic ketoacidosis emergencies, typically within hospitals. While not common for day-to-day diabetes management, this route is critical in tertiary care and highlights the need for well-equipped hospital infrastructure. When analyzing distribution channels, hospital pharmacies play a vital role in dispensing insulin and intravenous medications during inpatient care and follow-ups, particularly for patients enrolled in public health programs like Programa Remediar, which provides essential medications at no cost. However, retail pharmacies hold a significant share of the market due to their accessibility and comprehensive stock of both oral and subcutaneous diabetes drugs. In urban areas like Buenos Aires and Córdoba, these pharmacies are the first point of contact for many patients managing chronic conditions. The rise of online pharmacies in Argentina is a relatively new but rapidly growing segment, driven by improved digital infrastructure and changing consumer behavior, particularly post-COVID-19.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Diabetic Drug Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Drug Class
• Insulin
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
• DPP-4 Inhibitors
• SGLT2 Inhibitors
• Others (metformin, sulfonylureas, and combination therapies)

By Diabetes
• Type-1
• Type-2

By Route of Administration
• Oral
• Subcutaneous
• Intravenous

By Distribution Channel
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies Show more