The popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has seen a significant uptick in recent times. Projections indicate that the market for GLP-1 medications aimed at weight management could potentially hit $100 billion in 2030. These drugs might present competition for advanced diabetic technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and insulin pumps, possibly impacting their sales, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors Market Forecast to 2033,” reveals that the insulin pumps and CGM market is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from $11.3 billion in 2023 to $20.9 billion in 2033.

Tina Deng, MSc, Principal Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “CGM represents a complementary tool for people with GLP-1 medications managing their conditions. CGM can help people modify dietary habits to reach wellness and weight loss goals. The popularity of GLP-1 medications may expand the CGM application to weight management.”

The CGM market boom has been reflected in the sales figures. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre sales increased 25.5% to $1.4 billion in Q4 2023. Similarly, Dexcom’s revenue grew 27% to $1.03 billion in the same period.

Deng concludes: “While GlobalData does not foresee a significant risk from GLP-1 medications on the insulin pumps market in the short-term, the long-term impact tends to be a bit gloomy. GLP-1 medications can help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for additional insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes. It can also delay the need for insulin and limit progression for patients with type 2 diabetes who have not taken insulin yet. However, as the device penetration of insulin pumps is less than 1% of type 2 diabetes patients, the overall impact seems to be more moderate.”