Diabetic Ulcer Treatment Market Report Scope & Overview

The diabetic ulcer treatment market size was USD 8.22 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 14.35 Billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 7.21% over the forecast period of 2024-2032. This report provides comprehensive statistical insights and trends in the Diabetic Ulcer Treatment Market, covering key aspects such as the global prevalence and incidence rates of diabetic ulcers across major regions in 2023-2024. It examines treatment adoption trends, highlighting the increasing use of advanced wound care products, NPWT, and biologics. Additionally, the report explores healthcare costs and reimbursement policies, shedding light on market valuation and insurance coverage variations by country. Regulatory approvals and compliance trends are analyzed, focusing on FDA, EMA, and other key regulatory developments. The report also delves into innovation and R&D investments, emphasizing funding, clinical trials, and breakthroughs in emerging therapies. Furthermore, it assesses hospital vs. homecare treatment preferences, identifying shifts in patient management approaches. Overall, this study provides a data-driven perspective on the evolving landscape of diabetic ulcer treatments.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising incidence of diabetic foot infections & amputations which drives market growth. 

An increasing number of diabetic foot infections and amputations, contributing to the diabetic ulcer treatment market growth. Foot ulcers are a common problem in people with diabetes, but their association with diabetes is not recognized as a world health problem, which is estimated to affect 15% to 25% of diabetics during their lifetime. If untreated, these can result in serious infection, gangrene, and in some cases, amputation of the lower limb. More than 1 million diabetes-related amputations are performed worldwide every year (International Diabetes Federation (IDF)). This is an alarming statistic that expresses the needed cure for optimal ulcer management. In addition, the rising rates of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD) compound ulcer complication risks, and need treatment with advanced wound care products, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), skin substitutes, and antimicrobial dressings. In addition, healthcare systems and governments are supporting early detection programs, advanced wound care centers, and reimbursement support to lower amputation rates, which further drives the demand for innovative diabetic ulcer treatments. Factors like rising focus on limb preservation techniques coupled with regenerative therapies are likely to further facilitate market growth.

 Restraint

• High cost of advanced wound care products which may hamper the market growth.

The high price of advanced wound care products acts as a major restraint, which may hamper the growth of the market. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), bioengineered skin substitutes, growth factor-based treatments, and antimicrobial dressings are among the advanced treatment modalities available for better healing possible at a high cost out of reach of many patients, especially those in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, some patients have to frequently go to dressing changes, and hospitals, and spend a long time in the treatment, which is another burden on patients as well as the health systems. On the other hand, patients in the remaining regions with insufficient insurance coverage and poorly subsidized reimbursement policies are forced into the use of traditional or less effective methods for wound care which consequently prolong the duration of healing and increase the risks associated with complications. Efforts to remove this obstacle include the expansion of reimbursement policies by governments and care providers, cost reduction negotiations, and highlighting the need for lower-cost alternatives to expensive gene therapy techniques.

Opportunity

• Increasing use of 3D bioprinting for wound healing creates an opportunity in the market. 

This is a precise opportunity in the diabetic ulcer treatment market, with 3D bioprinting being increasingly used for wound recovery. This ground-breaking skin graft, along with many other bioengineered tissues for regenerative medicine, can be developed with 3D bioprinting technology to increase patient healing outcomes. Current conventional diabetic ulcer treatments are always limited by donor shortage, immune rejection, and the slow regeneration of the skin graft. 3D bioprinting, on the other hand, solves the problem by stacking or layering different biomaterials, growth factors, and even patients' cells to form skin grafts that resemble real tissue. It increases cell growth, speeds up wound healing, and prevents infection risk which can be of great use in chronic diabetic ulcers. Further, R&D investments and clinical trials in 3D bioprinting are paving the way for its various applications, which are drawing interest from biotechnology companies, healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.

Challenges

• Limited access to advanced treatments in remote areas may challenge the market growth.

This could act as a restraining factor to the growth of the diabetic ulcer treatment market. Overseas and in many rural and underserved areas, there is a stark absence of expert-led wound care clinics, trained healthcare professionals, as well as access to advanced therapies such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), skin substitutes, and growth factor-based treatments. It can lead to inflammatory infections, complications, and amputations due to the lack of a reasonable diagnosis and treatment of ulcers because of gaps in healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, the expensive transportation costs and shortage of diabetic foot care specialists add to the patients delayed seeking medical care. While government initiatives and telemedicine programs have sought to fill the gap, sluggish adoption, due to lackluster digital infrastructure and low awareness, has cast a shadow over possibilities. The growth of mobile wound care clinics, home healthcare, and remote-monitoring solutions could alleviate such hurdles but require major funding and policy commitment to scale.

Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Foot ulcers hold the largest market share around 72% in 2023. It is owing to the high prevalence among diabetic patients along with its serious health consequences. That is why these ulcers mostly occur due to peripheral neuropathy, poor blood circulation, and sustained pressure on the foot, which hampers the healing of the wounds on the foot and it predisposes to infection, gangrene, and amputations. Diabetes and its related foot conditions lead to more than 1 million amputations every year, according to a report from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), showing there is an urgent need for effective treatments. Demand for market products is also forced by the accessibility of alternative technology wounds treatments such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), skin substitutes, and antimicrobial dressings. This segment, on the other hand, is likely to continue holding the largest market share owing to the investments being made by governments and healthcare organizations to design tailor-made preventive care programs, diabetic foot screening programs, and patient education initiatives designed to minimize the occurrence of foot ulcers.

By Treatment

Wound care dressings held the largest market share around 48% in 2023. It is owing to the importance of the product in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers. These dressings represent the initial intervention for diabetic ulcers by supporting a moist wound environment, expediting healing rates, avoiding infections, and controlling exudate contents. Growing incidences of diabetic foot ulcers, which develop in 15% to 25% of diabetics, have propelled the demand for advanced wound dressings, such as hydrocolloid, foam, alginate, hydrogel, and antimicrobial dressings. Moreover, ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and availability within hospitals, clinics, and home care all contribute to the dominance of this segment. The increasing investment in advanced wound care products and technologies like bioactive and nanotechnology-based dressings, continued strategic government plans to prevent and manage diabetic foot ulcers are propelling the growth of the wound care dressings market.

By End Use Industry

Hospitals and clinics held the largest market share around 38% in 2023. This is owing to the availability of specialized wound care facilities and advanced treatment, and highly skilled professionals. Background: All diabetic ulcers, particularly foot ulcers, demand holistic treatment that requires treatments such as debridement, infection control, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), skin grafting, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), all of which are meant for hospital-based management. Moreover,  hospitals and clinics will always be the first point of contact for patients with infected or severe ulcers which is why the hospitals and clinics gain more patients. This segment is further benefiting from the advancing numbers of diabetic foot complications among hospital admissions, along with government reimbursement programs and healthcare initiatives. In addition, hospitals and clinics receiving contingency to wound care product manufacturers help hospitals ensure a supply of advanced dressings, biologics, and medical devices, which contributes to better treatment outcomes as well as positively impacting the market.

Regional Analysis

North America held the largest market share around 48% in 2023. It is due to the high prevalence of diabetes, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and high government funds for advanced wound care treatment. Solid reimbursement policies are additionally in place in the region as well, which motivate access to higher-level therapy like NPWT, biologics and also, and skin substitutes. Moreover, the supportive government initiatives have stimulated market growth, coupled with the leading wound care players, clinical studies, and a fast-evolving adoption of novel technologies. The growth is fueled by initiatives for awareness, healthcare spending, and partnerships between hospitals and research centers in diabetic ulcer management. North America dominates the global chronic wound care market owing to the rising geriatric population which is also associated with chronic wounds and is likely to drive the market.

Asia Pacific held a significant market share in 2023. It is due to the rapidly increasing diabetic population, surge in healthcare investments, and growing awareness about advanced wound care treatments. As per the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) over 140 million Diabetic patients are in China, and Diabetic patients in China, India, and Japan rank top in the world. Increasing occurrences of diabetic foot ulcers and other complications have raised the demand for wound care dressings, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and bioengineered skin substitutes. Moreover, Asia Pacific nations are undergoing health system reforms, expanding insurance coverage, and investing in studies of means for treating wounds and getting access to treatment. This, coupled with the high acceptance of telemedicine, and the development of hospital infrastructure, will further bolster the lead of the region, which includes local and international wound care manufacturers. Additionally, the availability of affordable treatment options and medical tourism in nations such as India and Thailand are expected to further the dominance of Asia Pacific in the market.

Key Players

• ConvaTec, Inc. (​AQUACEL Ag Foam, DuoDERM Signal)​

• 3M Healthcare (​Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing, Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film)​

• Acelity L.P., Inc. (​V.A.C. Therapy, Prevena Incision Management System)​

• Smith & Nephew Plc (​ALLEVYN Life Foam Dressings, IODOSORB Gel)​

• Coloplast Corp. (​Biatain Silicone, Comfeel Plus)​

• B. Braun Melsungen AG (​Askina Foam, Prontosan Wound Gel)​

• Organogenesis, Inc. (​Apligraf, Dermagraft)​

• Mölnlycke Health Care AB (​Mepilex Border Flex, Mepitel One)​

• Medline Industries, Inc. (​Optifoam Gentle, Remedy Phytoplex)​

• Medtronic (​Diabetes Management System, iPro2)​

• Integra LifeSciences (​PriMatrix Dermal Repair Scaffold, TCC-EZ Total Contact Cast System)​

• Cardinal Health (​Kendall Hydrocolloid Dressings, Kerlix Gauze)​

• Essity Aktiebolag (publ) (​Cutimed Sorbact, Leukomed T Plus)​

• SANUWAVE Health (​dermaPACE System, UltraMIST Therapy System)​

• Centaur Pharmaceuticals (​WOXheal Topical Solution)​

• Remedor Biomed (​WOUNDAGEL)​

• Derma Sciences Inc. (​Medihoney Wound & Burn Dressing, XTRASORB® Super Absorbent Dressing)​

• KCI Licensing, Inc. (​ABTHERA Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System, ACTIV.A.C. Therapy System)​

• Alliqua Biomedical, Inc. (​SilverSeal Hydrogel Dressing, Hydress Hydrogel Sheet Dressing)​

• MiMedx Group, Inc. (​EpiFix Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane Allograft, AmnioFix Injectable)​

Recent Development:

• In April 2024, The U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) evaluated Smith & Nephew's PICO Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System (sNPWT) and concluded that it delivers improved clinical outcomes compared to standard dressings by lowering the risk of surgical site infections.

• In April 2023, 3M obtained U.S. FDA approval for two advanced products—3M Veraflo Therapy, which includes the 3M Veraflo Cleanse Choice Complete Dressing and the 3M V.A.C. Veraflo Cleanse Choice Dressing. These approvals are intended to enhance 3M's wound care portfolio.