SMBG Devices and Strips Market

Taiwan Market. The increased incidence of diabetes in Taiwan is driving the growth of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) devices and strips market. Increasing awareness about the disease to contain and reduce its prevalence rate has been the recent focus of the Taiwanese Government. The compulsory NHI covers the majority of the population.

Frost & Sullivan finds that the Taiwan market earned USD 32.5 million in 2009 and estimated to reach USD 86.0 million by 2016. The market segments covered in this research are hospital and retail. "SMBG meters and strips have become an integral part of diabetes management to reduce the rising incidence of diabetes. Prevention measures such as annual health screening may help reduce the number of deaths related to complications arising from diabetes," says Industry Analyst Jennifer Lau.

Traditionally, hospitals have been the major consumers of blood glucose strips for point-of-care testing followed by general practitioners and clinics. However, the trend has shifted over the last 5 years, whereby the retail sales of blood glucose meters (BGM) and strips, which are primarily used for self-monitoring, have grown exponentially. Their sales have become a significant revenue stream for the BGM manufacturers.

Thai Market. The Thai SMBG devices and strips market has grown steadily as sales of BGM and strips required for self-monitoring witnessed exponential growth, particularly during the last 5 years. The estimated national prevalence of diabetes in Thai adults is around 9.6%, with an incidence rate of 4.8%. Self-monitoring is fast becoming an important part of diabetes management.

According to the National Survey of the Welfare of the Elderly in Thailand, prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the urban areas is 11.0% among males and 12.7% among females. In the rural areas, prevalence is 2.3% among males and 4.6% among females. Although diabetes is common in Thailand, most cases remain undiagnosed, especially in the rural provinces.

Frost & Sullivan finds that the Thai SMBG market earned revenues of over USD 45.7 million in 2009 and estimated to reach USD 141.3 million by 2016, growing at a CAGR of 17.5%. The study segments the market into hospital (strips for public and private) and retail (meters and strips for independent and chain outlets). "The market is mainly driven by the efforts of the government to increase public awareness on diabetes and diabetes management through frequent screenings and educational activities for the public. The Ministry of Public Health regularly provides general health checks and screening for diabetes and hypertension at the community medical units to detect cases earlier in disease stages," says Lau.

The International Diabetes Federation has revealed that diabetes is becoming alarmingly rampant, with figures of those afflicted with the disease reaching a staggering 185.5 million in 2009 globally. Asia Pacific was considered the worst, with 76.5 million people affected by this chronic disease. Increase of this chronic disease is caused due to rapid changes in lifestyle, particularly within the rising mid-to high-income groups.NIKE