by Glucose biosensors are analytical devices that are used to detect the level of blood glucose or blood sugar in a person’s system. They work by combining a biological component such as enzymes or antibodies with a physicochemical transducer that converts the biological response into an electrical signal. The most common type of glucose biosensor used today is the continuous glucose monitoring or CGM sensor which employs electrochemical detection methods to monitor glucose levels continuously through a small flexible filament inserted just under the skin.
Working Mechanism of Glucose Biosensors Industry
In electrochemical Global Glucose Biosensors, the biological recognition element is an enzyme called glucose oxidase which selectively reacts with glucose in the blood. When glucose comes into contact with the enzyme, it is oxidized and produces hydrogen peroxide as a reaction byproduct. The amount of hydrogen peroxide produced is directly proportional to the glucose concentration. The transducer, usually made of platinum or gold, converts this chemical reaction into an electrical signal thanks to its ability to oxidize hydrogen peroxide. This current generated is then measured and interpreted to indicate the blood glucose level. Other types of glucose biosensors use fluorescence-based optical detection where the enzyme reaction modulates light absorption or emission from a label.
Applications in Diabetes Management
The most important application of glucose biosensors is in helping manage diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease affecting millions worldwide. For Type 1 diabetics who cannot produce insulin, frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to determine appropriate insulin doses for meals and activities. Portable glucose meters using test strips allow spot measurements of glucose. Meanwhile, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors inserted under the skin enable real-time tracking of glucose trends andpatterns to aid treatment decisions. They send readings every 5 minutes to a receiver or smartphone hence are very useful for preventing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. CGM has been shown to lower A1c levels and reduce hypoglycemic episodes especially when combined with insulin pump therapy. Going forward, more advanced versions may not even require calibration with finger pricks.
Growing Global Market
The rising prevalence of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cases worldwide has fueled tremendous demand for glucose monitoring devices in recent decades. According to a report by Global Market Insights, the global glucose biosensors market size was valued at USD 18.5 billion in 2020 and projected to surpass USD 30 billion by 2027. North America currently dominates owing to factors like favorable reimbursement policies, technologically advanced healthcare infrastructure and greater acceptance of self-monitoring practices. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing regional market due to growing population, economic development and increasing focus on managing diabetes in developing nations such as India and China. Portable blood glucose meters account for the largest revenue share while CGM segment is expected to see strongest gains moving ahead.
Factors Driving Market Growth
There are several influencing factors behind the projected robust expansion of the glucose biosensors industry:
1. Rising Prevalence of Diabetes: The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the global diabetes burden has nearly quadrupled from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million currently. Developing economies like India and China are increasingly affected.
2. Growing Geriatric Population: Risk of diabetes increases with age and according to the UN, number of people aged 60+ years will double to nearly 2.1 billion by 2050 which bodes well for greater diagnostic demand.
3. Improving Reimbursement Scenario: More governments and private insurers are providing generous coverage and reimbursement for glucose monitoring supplies and devices which enhances patient accessibility and affordability.
4. Technological Advancements: Development of minimally invasive, user-friendly and advanced CGM systems incorporating real-time connectivity and artificial intelligence backed data analysis is boosting uptake.
5. Increased Screening Rates: Growing awareness about early diabetes detection through regular health checkups and screening programs in communities raises the rate of diagnosis and appropriate management.
Continued R&D Activities
Fueling New Innovations
Extensive research is being carried out worldwide to develop novel types of painless, implantable and long-term functioning biosensors for diabetes monitoring. Notable areas of focus include:
– Nanotechnology Approaches: Use of nanoparticles, nanowires and nanosensors for ultra miniaturization and multianalyte detection from a single sensor.
– Non-Invasive Monitoring: Research on less painful or needle-free techniques like reading glucose levels through saliva, tears or breath is yielding promising results.
– Cell-Based Biosensors: Developing living cell-based sensors using cell lines, tissues or islets that can mimic the hosts’ physiological response for prolonged surveillance.
– Artificial Pancreas Systems: Integrating insulin delivery pumps, glucose sensor technology and control algorithms to automate insulin administration for optimal glycemic control.
– Novel Materials: Exploring alternate electrochemical or optical transducer materials beyond classic platinum and gold for enhanced sensitivity, stability and lower production costs.
In summary, global glucose biosensor market has immense scope for expansion riding on factors like rising diabetes incidence, growing medical costs of managing diabetes complications and emphasis on preventive care. Continued private and public investments in this field should churn out path-breaking solutions to help transform diabetes management. Widespread adoption of non-invasive, affordable and long-term monitoring devices aligned with therapeutic regimens could significantly improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for people living with diabetes worldwide.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
