The global market for insulin, supported by rise in diabetic population, is growing at a healthy rate. China, which accounts for the largest share of global diabetic population has become the diabetes capital of the world, and is seen as a high potential market for insulin products. 

Changing lifestyles, dietary habits, increased consumption of fast foods, have triggered a rise in the number of people suffering from diabetes. WHO has forecasted the global diabetic population to rise by more than 50% by year 2030 which will result in a rise in global demand for insulin products. Insulin manufacturers too are continuously developing new products and delivery devices for insulin to sustain and support the growth trend. The increased healthcare spending by individuals and governments all over the world has further boosted the insulin industry growth. 

Insulin is used as a drug for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Type II. It comes in three different types – Animal insulin, Human insulin, and Modern insulin. The shortcomings in animal insulin led to the development of human insulin, which gradually took over the entire market of animal insulin. Now, animal insulin is used in trace quantities and rare cases only. But, a similar issue with the absorption capacity of human insulin led to development of modern insulin, also known as insulin analogs. Modern insulin is genetically engineered human insulin, which is modified genetically to induce certain desirable attributes such as quick absorption and action capacity. Currently, the market is dominated by modern insulin, which accounts for the highest revenue share and volume share for the global insulin industry. 

For in-depth and comprehensive analysis of insulin industry, it can be analyzed based on segments classified on the parameters of action time and purchase type. Insulin, irrespective of the origin, based on action, can be segmented as long acting, short acting, and pre-mixes. For purchase type categorization, insulin is segmented into bulk purchase and dosage. A large part of global insulin purchase is done as dosage type only by individuals and health care service providers. 

The high potential and demand for insulin has driven many manufacturers to foray into the segment, which has made the prices competitive and affordable for consumers. Considering the huge market potential for the insulin industry in China, leading manufacturers are focusing on increasing their market presence in China, and have adopted different business strategies. The global manufacturers of insulin, who are leading the China insulin market, are Novo Nordisk, Sanofi-Aventis, and Eli-Lilly who together share more than 90% of the global insulin market.