South Africa Diabetes Drug Market Overview, 2030

The diabetes drug market in South Africa is witnessing steady growth, driven by an alarming rise in diabetes prevalence, increasing healthcare awareness, government initiatives, and advances in pharmaceutical innovation. Approximately 2.3 million South Africans are living with diabetes, with projections indicating a rise to nearly 3.9 million by 2050. This growing disease burden is predominantly fueled by Type 2 diabetes, linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, obesity, and reduced physical activity. Urban areas such as Johannesburg and Cape Town are showing dramatic increases in diabetes incidence, with public hospitals reporting up to a 50% rise in diabetes-related visits. Johannesburg, South Africa's economic and healthcare capital, has a high concentration of hospitals, clinics, and specialty treatment centers that are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology. This infrastructure improves access to diabetes care, including drugs, for a wide population. The city's well-developed healthcare system together with improved access to healthcare experts and pharmaceutical products, guarantees that patients receive prompt and effective diabetic treatment, boosting the regional diabetes drug market. The country’s dual healthcare system sees 84% of the population dependent on public healthcare, while only 16% have private insurance, which often leads to disparities in access. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is working to streamline the approval process for biosimilars and novel diabetes therapies, although delays still exist. Public health measures such as sugar taxes and front-of-pack nutritional labeling are being introduced to combat obesity, one of the leading causes of Type 2 diabetes in the country.

According to the research report ""South Africa Diabetes Drug Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Diabetes Drug market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.00% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The demand for antidiabetic drugs is correspondingly increasing, particularly for oral hypoglycemics and newer drug classes like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, which offer improved glycemic control and additional benefits like weight loss and cardiovascular protection. Major global pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi have a growing presence in the country, introducing biosimilar insulins and advanced drug delivery technologies. One of the most promising developments is local manufacturing, with Aspen Pharmacare entering a partnership with Novo Nordisk to produce 16 million insulin vials annually in Gqeberha, capable of reaching more than four million patients by 2026. Aspen also plans to manufacture affordable generic versions of GLP-1 receptor agonists once global patents expire, with launches expected by late 2026. In September 2023, Novo Nordisk announced a new cooperation to develop human insulin production in South Africa, as part of a broader commitment to providing life-saving treatment to diabetics across Africa. South Africa's increased healthcare expenditure and improved infrastructure are likely to boost up demand for diabetes medications. Increased government investment in healthcare initiatives, combined with improved access to medical services, allows more people to receive appropriate diabetic care and treatment. Improved infrastructure enables greater distribution and availability of pharmaceuticals, making them more accessible to a larger population. In September 2023, Aspen of South Africa and Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, have teamed up to produce human insulin, especially for African diabetics. The goal of this partnership is to address the region's urgent need for insulin that can save lives.

Human insulin is still more prevalent than analog insulin due to cost constraints, but there is a growing shift toward long-acting insulin analogs in private healthcare settings, where patients seek better glycemic control with fewer hypoglycemic episodes. GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide and semaglutide are gaining momentum, especially among the urban middle- and upper-income groups. Their ability to improve glycemic control with the added benefit of weight loss aligns well with South Africa’s dual epidemic of diabetes and obesity. Though these drugs are relatively expensive and mostly confined to the private sector, awareness is increasing among physicians and patients alike, especially in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. There is a rising demand for once-weekly formulations due to improved adherence, but affordability remains a key barrier to widespread adoption. DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin and linagliptin, are well-accepted in South Africa for managing type 2 diabetes, thanks to their favorable safety profile, oral administration, and compatibility with other therapies. They are commonly prescribed in both private and public sectors and are often used in combination with metformin. Their tolerability and weight neutrality make them especially popular among older adults with co-morbidities, a demographic growing steadily in the country. SGLT2 inhibitors, like empagliflozin and dapagliflozin, are rapidly gaining popularity due to their cardiovascular and renal protective benefits in addition to glycemic control. These agents are increasingly included in treatment guidelines and are preferred among patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, common complications in South Africa's diabetic population. The others segment, encompassing metformin, sulfonylureas, and combination therapies, dominates the market due to their low cost and long-standing use. Metformin remains the first-line therapy, widely available and supported by government programs. Sulfonylureas are also extensively used despite hypoglycemia risks, especially in low-resource settings. Fixed-dose combinations of metformin with newer agents are increasingly popular for improving adherence and treatment outcomes, especially in urban regions.

South Africa has one of the highest obesity rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, with about 69% of women and 39% of men being overweight or obese. This epidemic directly fuels the surge in Type-2 diabetes cases, with current estimates indicating that over 2.5 million adults are living with diabetes. Type-2 patients predominantly rely on oral medications such as metformin and sulfonylureas, but there is a growing shift toward more advanced therapies like DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs not only manage glucose levels but also offer cardiovascular and weight management benefits, making them increasingly preferred in both urban healthcare settings and private practices. On the other hand, Type-1 diabetes, although less common (around 18% of total cases), represents a critical demand segment in the market as it requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type-1 patients depend on basal and rapid-acting insulin regimens, and newer formulations such as ultra-long-acting insulin and once-weekly dosing options are being explored to improve compliance and quality of life. The South African government and private sector are investing in local insulin production; for instance, a key manufacturing facility in Gqeberha, operated by Aspen Pharmacare and Novo Nordisk, aims to produce millions of insulin vials annually to reduce reliance on imports and enhance affordability. Despite such advancements, disparities in access to insulin and modern therapies remain significant, especially in rural and under-resourced areas. Hospital pharmacies play a central role in insulin distribution, while retail and online pharmacies are gaining traction, particularly for oral medications. Digital innovations like continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps are slowly entering the market but are still inaccessible to many due to high costs.

Oral antidiabetic drugs dominate the market, particularly for managing Type 2 diabetes, which comprises the majority of diabetes cases in the country. Oral medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors due to their ease of use, affordability, and the country's extensive network of retail pharmacies. The high demand for oral drugs is also linked to accessibility in rural and township areas, where injectable treatments may be less feasible due to storage and administration challenges. Furthermore, public healthcare policies in South Africa favor generic oral antidiabetics for cost containment, further boosting their usage. Subcutaneous administration is critical for Type 1 diabetes patients, and increasingly for advanced Type 2 cases that require insulin therapy or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Subcutaneous drugs are usually self-injected and include long-acting insulins, short-acting insulins, and GLP-1 analogues like liraglutide. The demand for subcutaneous drugs is growing in urban centers such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, where patients have better access to diabetes education and monitoring tools. However, challenges remain with affordability and adherence, as many of these drugs are costly and not always covered under government schemes. Still, initiatives like the Essential Medicines List (EML) and programs supported by the South African Department of Health are pushing for broader insulin access in public healthcare. Subcutaneous drugs are also seeing more acceptances among health-aware middle-class populations aiming for tight glycemic control and weight management. Intravenous administration is the least common route and is typically reserved for hospital-based emergency situations, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or during surgeries when rapid glucose control is needed. These drugs are primarily used in intensive care units and tertiary hospitals. Though limited in volume, intravenous drugs are crucial in acute care settings and are supplied through hospital pharmacies.

Hospital pharmacies are integral to South Africa’s public and private healthcare systems, especially for managing advanced or complicated diabetes cases. Public sector hospitals, under the National Department of Health, dispense antidiabetic drugs as part of government-funded healthcare programs, which is crucial given the country’s socioeconomic disparities. Hospital pharmacies often stock essential medications like insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly for patients with Type 1 diabetes and severe Type 2 diabetes. These facilities prioritize continuity of care, especially for those needing regular check-ups and monitoring. Notably, in underserved rural areas, public hospital pharmacies are often the only point of access to diabetes medications, making them vital for equitable healthcare access. Retail pharmacies, including large chains such as Clicks, Dis-Chem, and independent pharmacies, dominate the private sector market and serve as the primary touchpoints for many urban and suburban patients. These pharmacies offer a wide range of both prescription and over-the-counter diabetes medications, including metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. With rising health awareness and a growing middle class, there is an increasing preference for personalized consultation services, which retail pharmacies provide. Additionally, the convenience and accessibility of retail pharmacies contribute to medication adherence among diabetic patients, many of whom are managing lifelong therapy. Online pharmacies are an emerging segment, propelled by increasing internet penetration, urbanization, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s shift in consumer habits. Though still in its nascent stages compared to traditional channels, this segment is gaining traction, particularly among tech-savvy younger populations and urban diabetics seeking convenience, discreetness, and competitive pricing. E-pharmacies such as Medirite and e-pharmacy platforms connected to Dis-Chem are increasingly offering scheduled deliveries, subscription services for chronic medications, and teleconsultation options.

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