European Diabetes Diagnostics Market Set to Expand

Self-monitoring and point-of-care (POC) diabetes tests are revealing a potential for significant growth, boosting the European diabetes diagnostics market. These are the latest findings from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international consulting firm.

The European diabetes diagnostics market is poised for expansion, with segments such as self-monitoring and point-of-care (POC) tests offering tremendous growth potential. Heightened efforts to generate awareness about diabetes and related diagnostic tests are a key driver in market development, attempting to overcome low awareness and poor communication between manufacturers and physicians. For example, low awareness about HbA1C tests is restraining the laboratory market growth. Additionally, different laboratories have varied methods of measuring HbA1C, leading to inconsistency in results. However, this challenge should be curtailed with more education about the test.

Type-2 diabetes, on the other hand, is asymptomatic in nature; therefore, emphasis is placed on early diagnosis of the disease. Along with early diagnosis, patients are recommended to use self-test meters at home. The rising interest in self-testing has opened opportunities for emerging technologies such as minimally invasive and noninvasive blood glucose meters. In addition to high-quality products, market participants must provide additional support to end users, supplying round-the-clock customer service, and exceptional technical support, two fields that are essential to succeed in this fiercely competitive market. Frost & Sullivan have found that the European diabetes diagnostics market earned revenues of U.S. $3.6 billion in 2008 and estimates this to reach $10.6 billion in 2015.

"The increasing prevalence of diabetes along with the demand for more rapid tests drives the market, especially for the self monitoring of blood glucose segment,” said Frost & Sullivan analyst Arun A.K. "Efforts are being undertaken to popularize HbA1C tests and enhance the adoption rate in POC settings.”

"Improved coordination between physicians and the patient community is the best way to produce customized solutions in the market,” added Mr. Arun. "Manufacturers must create awareness about the importance of diabetes diagnostics tests; resources need to be allocated exclusively for marketing and distribution services.”

HgA1c, or glycosylated hemoglobin, is a form of hemoglobin used primarily to identify the average plasma glucose concentration over prolonged periods. It is formed in a nonenzymatic pathway by hemoglobin's normal exposure to high plasma levels of glucose. Monitoring the HbA1c in type-1 diabetic patients may improve treatment.

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