Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Market - By Drug Class, By Disease Type, By Medication Type, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Market Size

The global oral antidiabetic drugs market was valued at USD 45.9 billion in 2024. The market size is estimated to grow from USD 47.1 billion in 2025 to USD 66.6 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2034. One of the major factors driving the growth of this market is the growing prevalence of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes (T2DM) across the globe.
 

For instance, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2023 there were 537 million people living with diabetes worldwide. It is estimated that 643 million people will be living with diabetes worldwide by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. This prevalence of diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, thereby contributing significantly to market growth.
 

The growing diabetic population, particularly in developing countries, has driven the demand for effective oral medications that help regulate blood sugar levels due to the rise in sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. Obesity is categorized as one of the leading causes of diabetes and insulin resistance. This has led to a greater increase in the use of oral antidiabetics like sodium-glucose transport protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) and dipeptidyl peptidase - 4 inhibitors (DPP-4) (sitagliptin, linagliptin), which help with weight control in addition to managing diabetes.
 

Further, the market is expanding due to the advancements in drug development. Conventional drugs like metformin and sulfonylureas (glimepiride and glipizide) are still the most widely used, but newer drug classes, especially SGLT-2 and DPP-4 inhibitors, are becoming more popular due to better safety profile and low cardiovascular concerns. Also, the growing popularity of fixed-dose combination treatments like sitagliptin and metformin or dapagliflozin and metformin are improving adherence, which is positively impacting patients’ health outcomes.
 

Oral antidiabetic drugs refer to the medications that are used to regulate blood sugar levels majorly in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. They include biguanides, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors among others. These medications help with diabetes managements by increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucose absorption, or enhancing insulin secretion to control diabetes effectively.
 

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Market Trends

• The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a significant driver of the global market. Diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing health issues today, with millions of new cases getting diagnosed each year.
   
• The increasing burden of diabetes has fueled demand for oral medication, making them the first-line treatment for most patients prior to the need for insulin therapy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021 diabetes was responsible for 1.6 million deaths, with type 2 diabetes contributing over 90% of the total diabetic population.
   
• Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 38.4 million people in the U.S. had diabetes in 2023, with 8.7 million of them undiagnosed. The situation in Asia where countries such as India and China are facing an explosion of diabetes. India alone had 77 million patients of diabetes in 2019, which is projected to increase to 134 million by 2045 as per International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
   
• This rise in the diabetic population has significantly boosted the demand for oral antidiabetic medications, particularly in countries with huge populations and increasing urbanization.
   
• Further, the increasing prevalence of diabetes is majorly due to the obesity and lifestyle changes. The Global Obesity Observatory reports that more than 1 billion people are globally classified as obese, which is a significant risk factor for developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
   
• With the increasing obesity, the dependence on the oral antidiabetic drugs like biguanides, SGLT-2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin), and DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, saxagliptin), which help manage blood sugar levels also increases.
   

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Market Analysis

Based on the drug class, the global market is segmented into biguanides, sodium-glucose transport protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase - 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and other drug classes. The biguanides segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue of USD 18.6 billion.
 

• Biguanide like metformin dominates the market because it is universally accepted as the first-line treatment for T2DM. Leading health organizations such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and World Health Organization (WHO), endorse metformin as the first drug of choice because of its efficacy and safety.
   
• Its effectiveness in lowering blood glucose levels also plays a crucial role in driving its widespread adoption. It facilitates the reduction of hepatic glucose production, improvement of insulin sensitivity, better peripheral glucose uptake, leading to better glycemic control.
   
• Another key factor driving the growth of biguanide’s dominance is its affordability and widespread availability. As compared to other oral antidiabetic drug classes, biguanides are more cost effective, thus making them an ideal choice for patients in both developed and emerging markets.
   

Based on the disease type, the global oral antidiabetic drugs market is categorized into type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes. The type 2 diabetes segment held the highest market share of 95.6% in 2024.
 

• The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes worldwide is one of the most significant factors behind this market leadership. The burden of disease is particularly high for countries such as India and China, which together represent nearly 40% of the global population living with diabetes. This sharp increase in numbers has created market opportunities for efficient oral diabetes treatment options.
   
• Also, urbanization, increased consumption of fast foods, and decreased physical activity have resulted in early onset of type 2 diabetes, among younger adults. This shift has led to a higher demand for oral antidiabetic drugs, as patients seek convenient and long-term treatment options.
   
• Further, another reason for the dominance of this segment is the increased preference for oral medications over injectable insulin therapies. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which needs constant replenishing of insulin, type 2 diabetes is manageable through oral antidiabetic medications like metformin (biguanides) or SGLT-2 and DPP-4 inhibitor drugs.

Based on the medication type, the global oral antidiabetic drugs market is classified into branded and generic. The branded segment accounted for the highest market size in 2024 and held a market share of 60.4%.
 

• Branded oral antidiabetic drugs undergo rigorous clinical trials to have long-term efficacy, safety, and expanded therapeutic benefits unlike generic drugs, which makes them the highly preferred option among healthcare providers.
   
• Also, specialized market-leading drugs like SGLT-2 inhibitors (Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin) and DPP-4 inhibitors (Sitagliptin, Linagliptin) faces limited generic competition due to patent protection, enabling pharmaceutical companies to keep premium prices and revenue.
   
• The enhanced patient treatment from extended-release formulations and fixed-dose combination therapy has further strengthened the dominance of branded drugs.
   
• Further, the physicians and patients in developed economies like North America and Europe continue to trust branded formulations, particularly for complex diabetes management.
   
• Despite rising availability of generic drugs, the higher manufacturing standards, quality consistency, and post-market surveillance of branded drugs ensures their dominance in this market.
   

Based on the distribution channel, the global oral antidiabetic drugs market is bifurcated into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment is expected to reach USD 29.6 billion by 2034.
 

• As the need for specialized diabetes management rises, there is an increase in use of oral antidiabetic drugs, therefore hospital pharmacies play a crucial role in prescribing and dispensing these drugs.
   
• A substantial percentage of newly diagnosed patients have their initial diabetes treatment during hospitalization, thus hospital pharmacies serve as an important distribution channel for advanced and high-efficacy drugs.
   
• Furthermore, the widespread adoption of combination therapies and newer drug classes has increased dependency on hospital pharmacies, as they are well-equipped to stock and dispense these innovative treatments.

The North America oral antidiabetic drugs market held highest market share of 41.1% in the global market in 2024. The U.S. market was valued at USD 16.4 billion in 2021. In 2023, the U.S. dominated the North America market with a revenue of USD 17 billion growing from USD 16.7 billion in 2022.
 

• Based on data from the American Diabetes Association, roughly 38.4 million U.S. citizens (11.6% of the population) were reported to be living with diabetes as of 2021, with 1.2 million new cases per year. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which is the most predominant form, has increased greatly escalating the usage of oral antidiabetic drugs such as biguanides, SGLT-2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors.
   
• Along with this, 97.6 million American adults were reported to have prediabetes in 2021, meaning that there is a sizeable population at risk and hence shifting to early-stage diabetes care is being increasingly prescribed.
   
• Therefore, availability of different medication, the launch of novel combination therapies, enhanced healthcare access, and the tendency of physicians in prescribing oral antidiabetic drugs is expected to contribute to the market’s growth.
   
• Furthermore, in U.S. and Canada, the hospital, retail and online pharmacies provide easy access to diabetes medication, ensuring that patients from all demographics can reach their medication.
   
• Increases in the number of online pharmacies alongside the introduction of digital prescription services have streamlined access to diabetes medication, making them more economical and easier to obtain, thereby increasing patient adherence to medication.
   

Germany is anticipated to witness considerable growth in the Europe oral antidiabetic drugs market over the analysis period.
 

• As per the article from National Health Institutes, people suffering from diabetes in Germany were estimated at 6.2 million in 2021 and is expected to exceed 10 million figures by the year 2040. The surge in cases of diabetes, especially type 2, is given by the increase in elderly population, increase in obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.
   
• This has led to a higher consumption of oral anti-diabetic drugs throughout the country. Further, the well-developed healthcare infrastructure and strong reimbursement policies in Germany support the growth of the market.
   

India oral antidiabetic drugs market is anticipated to witness high growth in Asia Pacific region.
 

• The growth of this market is driven by the rapidly increased access to health care, shifting lifestyles, and expanding access to healthcare.
   
• As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB) study published in 2023, 101 million people in India, or 11.4% of the population, were living with diabetes. This figure underscores the increasing challenge of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form and is usually controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs.
   
• Additionally, the availability of cost-effective medications and strong domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing are major factors propelling the country level market growth.
   

In the Latin America oral antidiabetic drugs market, Brazil is experiencing significant growth in coming years.
 

• The growing burden of type 2 diabetes is a major factor fueling market expansion, as lifestyle changes, rising obesity rates, and aging demographics contribute to the increasing number of diabetic patients.
   
• According to recent health studies, Brazil has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in Latin America, with millions of people requiring effective treatment options. The demand for oral antidiabetic drugs is expected to surge as healthcare professionals prioritize early disease management.
   
• Another key growth driver is Brazil’s improving healthcare accessibility and government initiatives aimed at diabetes control. Public healthcare programs such as Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS), are increasing access to essential diabetes medications, making oral antidiabetic drugs more affordable and widely available.
   

In Middle East and Africa, Saudi Arabia oral antidiabetic drugs market is poised to witness rapid growth over the analysis period.
 

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Saudi Arabia has the second highest rate of diabetes in the Middle East and the seventh highest in the world. Roughly 7 million individuals living in the country have diabetes and another 3 million are estimated to be prediabetic. This indicates a considerable and increasing patient population that demands sustained management through oral antidiabetic drugs.
   
• Government initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 are actively strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure, resulting in greater accessibility and subsidization of diabetes care services, improving case detection, and receiving enhanced treatment within the system.
   

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Market Share

The global market is highly competitive, with leading pharmaceutical companies competing based on drug efficacy, pricing, innovation, and penetration of new markets. Top 5 players including AstraZeneca, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim account for approximately 45% market share. These market players focus on research-driven innovations and expanding indications for diabetes medications.
 

Additionally, generic drug manufacturers such as Glenmark and Sun Pharma are adding to the market competition by providing cheaper solutions, particularly in emerging economies. Strategic collaborations, FDA approvals for expanded drug indications, and regional expansion efforts are set to evolve the operational competition both in advanced and developing markets.
 

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Market Companies

Some of the prominent players operating in the oral antidiabetic drugs industry include:

• Astellas Pharma
• AstraZeneca
• Bayer
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Bristol Myers Squibb
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals)
• Merck
• Novartis
• Novo Nordisk
• Pfizer
• Sanofi
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals
   

AstraZeneca is a key player in the oral antidiabetic drugs industry, offering innovative treatments like Dapagliflozin (Farxiga). A leader in SGLT-2 inhibitors, Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) is widely used for type 2 diabetes. The company focuses on advancing diabetes management through cardiovascular and renal benefits, positioning itself as a leader in holistic diabetes care.
 

Bayer is a key player in the oral antidiabetic drugs industry, offering treatments such as acarbose (Glucobay/Precose), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. The company specializes in innovative research-driven treatments and innovative diabetes management solutions.
 

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Industry News

• In February 2025, Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced a joint venture with OraTech Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Hefei Tianhui Biotech Co., Ltd., to accelerate oral insulin and POD-based drug development. This move positions Oramed for stronger market penetration and innovation in diabetes treatment, benefiting from increased commercialization opportunities.
   
• In June 2024, AstraZeneca’s Farxiga (dapagliflozin) received FDA approval for pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes (T2D), expanding its patient base and market reach in the pediatric diabetes segment, reinforcing AstraZeneca’s leadership in SGLT-2 inhibitors.
   
• In July 2022, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched sitagliptin and its Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) at affordable prices in India under the brand name SITAZIT. By introducing eight different formulations, Glenmark strengthened its position in the competitive diabetes market, catering to the growing demand for cost-effective treatments in emerging markets.
   

The oral antidiabetic drugs market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Class

• Biguanides
• Dipeptidyl peptidase - 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
  • Sitagliptin
  • Linagliptin
  • Vildagliptin
  • Saxagliptin
  • Alogliptin
  • Other DPP-4 inhibitors 
• Sodium-glucose transport protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors
  • Dapagliflozin
  • Empagliflozin
  • Canagliflozin
• Sulfonylureas
  • Glimepiride
  • Glipizide
  • Glyburide
• Thiazolidinediones
• Meglitinides
  • Repaglinide
  • Nateglinide
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
• Other drug classes

Market, By Disease Type

• Type 2 diabetes
• Type 1 diabetes

Market, By Medication Type

• Branded
• Generic

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE