– The landscape of insulin therapy is experiencing an unprecedented period of innovation, promising to significantly ease the burden of diabetes management for millions worldwide. From cutting-edge smart insulins to advanced automated delivery systems and the long-awaited arrival of oral insulin, the future of diabetes care looks brighter than ever.

As per MRFR analysis, the Insulin Therapeutic Market Size was estimated at 147.4 (USD Billion) in 2023. The Insulin Therapeutic Market Industry is expected to grow from 152.1(USD Billion) in 2024 to 215.0 (USD Billion) by 2035

Smart Insulins: A New Era of Glucose-Responsive Treatment

A major breakthrough is on the horizon with the development of "smart insulins" that can intelligently respond to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

• Glucose-Responsive Insulin Enters Human Trials: Researchers from the University of Sydney and UiT The Arctic University of Norway are poised to begin human clinical trials in 2025 for a novel oral "smart insulin." This groundbreaking formulation, delivered via nano-carriers, is designed to remain inactive until it detects high glucose levels, releasing insulin precisely when needed in the liver. Early studies in animals, including baboons, demonstrated its ability to lower blood glucose without causing dangerous hypoglycemia, a significant challenge with conventional insulin. If successful, this could eliminate the need for daily injections for many patients.
• Once-Weekly Basal Insulin on the Horizon: Novo Nordisk's insulin icodec (AWIQLI), a once-weekly basal insulin, is expected to launch in 2025. This very long-acting insulin aims to provide sustained glucose control with a single injection per week, drastically reducing the treatment burden for individuals with type 2 diabetes and potentially some with type 1.

Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems: Towards a True Artificial Pancreas

Automated insulin delivery systems, often referred to as "artificial pancreas" systems, are becoming more sophisticated and widely available, offering enhanced glucose control.

• Omnipod® 5 Expands Reach: Insulet Corporation presented compelling results at ATTD 2025 (International Conference on Advanced Technologies Treatments for Diabetes) from a multinational randomized trial showing that direct transition to the Omnipod® 5 automated insulin delivery system significantly improved blood sugar control in adults and children with type 1 diabetes compared to multiple daily injections. The tubeless Omnipod 5, integrating with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), offers a more convenient and effective alternative to traditional insulin therapy.
• Tandem and Medtronic Innovations: Tandem Diabetes Care's Control-IQ+ algorithm recently gained FDA clearance for type 2 diabetes, extending the benefits of automated insulin delivery to a broader population. Medtronic is also advancing its MiniMed 8-Series pumps with phone control and developing a 7-day patch pump, alongside new CGM collaborations.
• Sequel twiist AID System: FDA-approved in 2024, Sequel's twiist system is expected to launch in the first half of 2025. This innovative AID system directly measures insulin delivery volume and flow, allowing for rapid detection of obstructions and offering enhanced safety and precision.

Beyond Insulin: Complementary Therapies and Integrated Monitoring

The diabetes treatment landscape is also seeing growth in complementary therapies and integrated monitoring solutions that support insulin therapy.

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT2 Inhibitors: While not insulin themselves, medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, and SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Jardiance, Farxiga) are increasingly vital in diabetes management. These drugs improve blood sugar control, promote weight loss, and offer cardiovascular and renal protective benefits, often used in conjunction with insulin.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Advancements: Dexcom is poised to launch a 15-day sensor for its G7 CGM in 2025, offering longer wear time and improved accuracy. Abbott is also supplying Medtronic with a CGM for exclusive integration with Medtronic's smart dosing devices, further enhancing automated insulin delivery.
• Continuous Ketone Monitoring (CKM): Abbott's novel continuous glucose-ketone monitoring system is anticipated in 2025, providing early warning of elevated ketones, crucial for preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and enabling safer use of SGLT2