Global diabetes trials market to double to $10b by 2034

AI-enabled decentralised clinical trials are forecast to grow at a 10.5% CAGR.

The global diabetes clinical trials market is projected to grow to $10.02b by 2034 from $5.45b in 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%, according to Polaris Market Research.

The report attributed growth to research into GLP-1 receptor agonists, the rising prevalence of diabetes, and the adoption of AI-enabled decentralised trial models.

The report said GLP-1 receptor agonists accounted for 29% of therapy-type clinical trials in 2025, reflecting demand for treatments that address both blood glucose control and obesity.

“The commercial success of semaglutide and tirzepatide has triggered a wave of follow-on research into combination therapies, cardiometabolic outcome studies, and next-generation incretin-based treatments,” the report added.

Asia-Pacific is forecast to record the fastest growth through 2034, with a CAGR of 10.0%, driven by rising diabetes cases and increased clinical research activity in China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Phase III studies accounted for 43% of the market in 2025, whilst interventional studies represented 64%.

Decentralised clinical trials are forecast to post the fastest growth, with a CAGR of 10.5%, supported by the use of wearable glucose monitors, telemedicine, and AI-enabled remote patient monitoring.

The report said pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies represented 49% of end users in 2025.

Contract research organisations are expected to record the fastest growth, with a CAGR of 8.0%, as sponsors outsource trial management, patient recruitment, and decentralised trial operations.