UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market By Product (Oral, Enteral, And Parenteral), By Care Stage (Adult and Pediatric), By Sales Channel (Online, Retail, and Institutional Sales Channel), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market was valued at USD 13.77 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 17.49 Million with a CAGR of 4.02% through 2030. The UAE Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market is being driven by several key factors, with the rising prevalence of diabetes being one of the most significant. The UAE has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, prompting an increased demand for effective management strategies, including clinical nutrition. As diabetes care increasingly emphasizes lifestyle modifications, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing blood glucose levels and preventing complications. Another driving force is the growing awareness of the importance of personalized nutrition. With advancements in technology and the increasing availability of nutritional counseling services, healthcare providers are focusing on creating tailored dietary plans to meet the specific needs of individuals with diabetes. This personalized approach is helping patients achieve better control over their condition, making clinical nutrition an essential part of diabetes management.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Diabetes

The increasing prevalence of diabetes in the UAE is the primary driver behind the growing demand for clinical nutrition for diabetes care. The UAE has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, with factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and high obesity rates contributing to the epidemic. As the number of diabetic patients continues to rise, the need for tailored nutrition strategies to manage and control blood sugar levels has become critical. Recent reports from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimate that the number of individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) will reach approximately 300 million by 2025. DM is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia, which occurs due to issues in insulin secretion, insulin action, or a combination of both. Clinical nutrition plays an essential role in managing diabetes, helping individuals control their glucose levels, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall quality of life. Healthcare professionals in the UAE are increasingly integrating nutrition counseling into diabetes management plans, which has led to an expanding market for clinical nutrition products and services. This rising prevalence of diabetes drives demand for specialized dietary interventions, such as low glycemic index diets, carbohydrate counting, and weight management programs. Nutritional solutions such as meal planning, supplementation, and personalized nutrition strategies are gaining importance as essential tools for managing diabetes, making clinical nutrition a vital aspect of diabetes care.

Government Initiatives and Healthcare Reforms

The UAE government’s proactive stance on healthcare reform has been instrumental in boosting the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market. Government programs aimed at improving public health, especially in combating chronic diseases like diabetes, have contributed significantly to the demand for specialized nutrition services. Initiatives like the UAE Vision 2021 and the National Diabetes Strategy prioritize healthcare transformation, emphasizing the importance of preventive care, lifestyle changes, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes. These initiatives have led to greater awareness about the role of clinical nutrition in diabetes care and have encouraged healthcare providers to integrate nutritional counseling and dietary interventions as part of diabetes management plans. The government has also been investing in public health campaigns that educate the population on the significance of healthy eating, exercise, and weight management in preventing and managing diabetes. These reforms support the widespread adoption of clinical nutrition services and products, fueling growth in the market.

Growing Awareness of the Role of Nutrition in Diabetes Management

There has been a significant increase in public awareness about the role of nutrition in managing and preventing diabetes. This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where there is growing recognition that lifestyle modifications, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, and weight control, can help manage blood glucose levels effectively. As a result, patients with diabetes are increasingly turning to clinical nutrition as an integral part of their care plans. This trend is reinforced by health campaigns, educational programs, and media coverage that emphasize the connection between diet and chronic diseases like diabetes. A report published by the UAE University Center for Public Policy and Leadership in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme reveals that approximately 11% of global healthcare spending is directed towards Diabetes Mellitus (DM) care. In comparison, the average expenditure per DM patient is about USD 8,468 in the US and USD 4,267 in the UK, while in the UAE, the expenditure per patient is only USD 1,775. Research on the healthcare costs associated with DM in the UAE suggests that, over a 10-year period following the implementation of certain diabetes interventions, gross savings could range from USD 156 million to USD 12.25 Billion. Medical costs related to DM and pre-diabetes in the UAE are projected to rise to around USD 1.04 Billion by 2020, marking a 58% increase from the estimated USD 0.66 billion in 2010. Continued research is needed to further highlight the economic burden of DM, and the findings will play a crucial role in shaping DM care and management strategies in the UAE.

Healthcare providers are also becoming more focused on offering personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs, taking into account factors such as age, gender, lifestyle, and medical history. As more people understand the impact of their dietary choices on their diabetes control, there is a growing demand for nutrition-focused solutions such as diabetes-specific meal plans, supplements, and nutritional counseling services.

Advancements in Nutrition Science and Technology

Advancements in nutrition science and technology are driving the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market in the UAE. The growing availability of genetic testing, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and digital health apps has revolutionized how nutrition is used in managing diabetes. These innovations allow healthcare providers to create more accurate, individualized nutrition plans based on real-time data, offering tailored dietary solutions that enhance patient outcomes. The development of specialized diabetes-specific foods and nutritional supplements has improved the availability of products designed to help manage blood glucose levels, promote healthy metabolism, and support overall health. The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in nutrition science allows for more precise and effective dietary recommendations. As healthcare professionals have access to better tools for monitoring and managing diabetes, clinical nutrition is becoming more precise, data-driven, and effective. This, in turn, is encouraging both patients and healthcare providers to invest in clinical nutrition services and products.

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Key Market Challenges

Limited Awareness on the Role of Clinical Nutrition in Diabetes Care

One of the primary challenges facing the UAE Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market is the limited awareness and education regarding the importance of clinical nutrition in managing diabetes. Despite the growing awareness of diabetes itself, many individuals are still unaware of how critical proper nutrition is in controlling the disease. In the UAE, while there is a significant focus on medical treatments such as insulin therapy and medication, the role of nutrition in managing blood glucose levels often takes a back seat.

This lack of awareness stems from several factors. For one, many people still rely heavily on medications and pharmaceutical solutions, rather than focusing on lifestyle and dietary changes, which are often seen as secondary or less urgent. While healthcare professionals and institutions in the UAE are increasingly promoting healthy living, not all are sufficiently trained to offer specialized nutritional counseling for diabetes patients. As a result, people with diabetes may not receive proper guidance on how to make informed decisions about their diets. To address this issue, education campaigns need to be ramped up, not just for patients but also for healthcare providers. Training medical professionals to include clinical nutrition as an integral part of diabetes management can lead to more effective patient outcomes. It’s also essential to educate the public on the importance of adopting a healthy, balanced diet as part of their daily routine to prevent diabetes or manage existing conditions. Without these awareness and education improvements, many individuals will continue to neglect nutrition as a primary means of managing diabetes, limiting the market's full potential.

High Cost of Specialized Nutrition Products and Services

Another significant challenge is the high cost of specialized nutrition products and services. Although the market for clinical nutrition in diabetes care is growing in the UAE, many of the products and services available—such as diabetes-specific foods, supplements, and personalized meal plans—remain expensive and may not be accessible to all segments of the population. Diabetes management can be costly, and the addition of specialized nutritional products exacerbates the financial burden for many families.

For patients with diabetes, the cost of diabetic-friendly food products, which are often marketed as low glycemic or sugar-free, can be prohibitively expensive compared to conventional alternatives. Furthermore, nutritional counseling services, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of diabetes management, are also not always covered by insurance plans, making them inaccessible for those without private health insurance. The high costs associated with clinical nutrition products and services can prevent low- and middle-income individuals from accessing the essential resources needed to manage their condition effectively. This presents a significant challenge in the market, as it limits the ability of large segments of the population to adopt nutrition as a tool for diabetes care. In order to overcome this, the government, private sector, and healthcare providers need to explore ways to make specialized nutrition products more affordable, either through subsidies, insurance coverage, or pricing models that cater to a broader range of income groups. By making diabetes-specific nutrition more financially accessible, it will encourage widespread adoption and improve the effectiveness of diabetes management.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Availability of Diabetes-specific Nutrition Products

The increasing availability and variety of diabetes-specific nutrition products are playing a critical role in expanding the clinical nutrition market. A wide range of diabetic-friendly foods, beverages, and nutritional supplements are now accessible to consumers in the UAE, addressing the dietary needs of individuals with diabetes. Products designed specifically for diabetes, such as low-sugar or sugar-free snacks, glucose-lowering supplements, and high-fiber foods, are gaining popularity due to their convenience and effectiveness in managing blood glucose levels. As the market for diabetes-specific products grows, more companies are entering the space, offering an expanding array of solutions to meet the diverse nutritional needs of diabetic patients. These products cater to a range of preferences, from functional foods to meal replacement options, making it easier for individuals with diabetes to make healthier food choices and manage their condition effectively.

Collaboration between Healthcare Providers and Nutritionists

Collaborations between healthcare providers and nutritionists are also boosting the clinical nutrition for diabetes care market in the UAE. Healthcare professionals are increasingly recognizing the importance of nutrition in managing diabetes and are incorporating nutrition experts into their care teams. In September 2022, GluCare.Health announced its value-based, insurance-free monthly subscription model for diabetes management in the UAE by November 2022, in alignment with National Diabetes Awareness Month.According to the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, 75% of individuals with diabetes in the UAE are considered poorly controlled, with visits to healthcare facilities often surpassing the recommended quarterly guidelines. This overuse of services can result in insurance providers denying certain treatments, a concern shared by 70% of respondents. Nutritionists work alongside doctors to develop personalized nutrition plans that address the specific needs of diabetic patients, taking into account their unique medical conditions, preferences, and lifestyle factors. This multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care not only enhances patient outcomes but also fosters greater patient compliance with nutritional recommendations. Furthermore, healthcare institutions are increasingly offering integrated diabetes management programs that include both medical care and nutritional support, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care. This growing collaboration between healthcare providers and nutritionists is helping to promote the importance of clinical nutrition in diabetes care, expanding the market for these services and products.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Based on the Product, oral nutrition dominated the market. Oral nutrition is the most commonly used method for delivering nutrition to individuals with diabetes, as it aligns with the natural process of eating and digestion, making it both effective and acceptable for most patients. The UAE’s healthcare system has increasingly focused on promoting preventive care and dietary management of diabetes, and oral nutrition products, including diabetic-specific supplements, meal replacements, and nutritional shakes, play a significant role in this effort.

Oral nutrition products such as diabetic meal replacements and nutritional shakes are widely used for diabetes management. These products are designed to provide the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to manage blood sugar levels and prevent the complications associated with diabetes. They are particularly helpful in addressing the nutritional needs of people with diabetes who have difficulty managing their diet due to lifestyle constraints or those who have specific nutritional deficiencies. Oral nutritional supplements are not only convenient but also widely accepted because they do not require medical supervision, unlike enteral or parenteral nutrition methods. Another key factor driving the dominance of oral nutrition is the cultural preference in the UAE. Given the country's diverse population and food habits, oral nutrition is culturally more acceptable. Patients with diabetes are more likely to prefer consuming familiar food-based products such as supplements, shakes, and fortified foods rather than opting for enteral or parenteral solutions, which are often seen as more invasive and less practical. Oral nutrition is easily integrated into daily life, allowing patients to maintain a healthy diet while managing their diabetes.

Care Stage Insights

Based on the Care Stage, the adult segment dominated, primarily due to the higher prevalence of diabetes among adults compared to children. The UAE has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, with adult populations being more affected by the condition. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and obesity contribute significantly to the high incidence of diabetes among adults, making them the primary demographic for clinical nutrition interventions in the country.

Diabetes in adults often comes with various complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and neuropathy, which increase the demand for specialized clinical nutrition. For these individuals, managing their blood glucose levels through personalized nutrition and dietary supplements plays a crucial role in preventing these complications. Products designed to manage diabetes in adults—such as meal replacements, diabetic nutritional shakes, and fiber-rich foods—are tailored to meet the specific needs of adult patients, addressing concerns like high blood sugar, cholesterol, and overall metabolic health. Adults with diabetes are more likely to be engaged in their healthcare and follow structured management plans that include dietary adjustments. Many adults actively seek clinical nutrition services and use specialized nutrition products as part of a broader diabetes management plan. Nutritionists and dietitians in the UAE often recommend low glycaemic index foods, carbohydrate-controlled diets, and meal planning as part of the management of type 2 diabetes, which is common in adults. These dietary interventions are central to preventing long-term complications and achieving stable blood sugar levels, making the adult segment the dominant force in the clinical nutrition market.

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Regional Insights

Dubai is currently dominating the UAE Clinical Nutrition for Diabetes Care Market. Several key factors contribute to Dubai's leadership in this market, including its position as the UAE’s economic, healthcare, and commercial hub, as well as its high population density, rising diabetes prevalence, and increased healthcare awareness. According to a study titled, Prevalence of Diabetes and Associated Health Risk Factors among Adults in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, data shows that the prevalence of diabetes is significantly higher among Dubai Emiratis compared to expatriates (19.3% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.000). The relationship between diabetes and age was evident across all nationalities. Additionally, the diabetes rate was higher in males (15.4%) than in females (11.8%) (p < 0.001). Among individuals classified as overweight, 11.2% have diabetes, while the prevalence rises to 21.5% among those who are obese (p = 0.000).

Dubai is home to a significant portion of the UAE's expatriate population, with residents from diverse cultural backgrounds, which adds to the city’s growing demand for clinical nutrition solutions tailored to different dietary needs. Dubai’s healthcare infrastructure is advanced, with many private healthcare providers, specialized clinics, and hospitals offering cutting-edge diabetes care services. Many of these institutions focus on comprehensive diabetes management, which includes clinical nutrition as a core component. The city's healthcare system is known for being at the forefront of integrating dietary interventions into medical care, driving the demand for clinical nutrition products such as diabetic-specific meal replacements, nutritional supplements, and low-glycemic foods. Dubai benefits from high levels of health awareness and initiatives aimed at diabetes prevention. The government and private sectors have launched numerous campaigns to tackle the high prevalence of diabetes, which is a significant public health issue in the region. Many of these campaigns focus on educating the population about the importance of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle in managing and preventing diabetes. As a result, there is a high demand for clinical nutrition services and specialized products to help individuals maintain a balanced diet and manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Fitverse.ai has introduced its groundbreaking diabetes reversal program, the first of its kind in the UAE and the MENA region. This program offers comprehensive, science-based solutions aimed at helping individuals manage and potentially reverse Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions through personalized, holistic strategies.
• In August 2024, Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has revealed plans to open the ‘Reem Diabetes & Endocrinology Center’, a facility dedicated to offering comprehensive services. This new center marks a significant milestone for Reem Hospital as it expands its range of specialty services, now covering more than 35 disciplines. The center will offer a wide variety of services, including advanced diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and continuous patient monitoring using wearable technology for diabetes and other endocrine disorders.
• In March 2024, RAK Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in the UAE, launched a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize diabetes management by introducing an advanced disease management tool in partnership with THB, Asia’s leading Enterprise Healthcare SAAS company. This collaboration aims to improve healthcare delivery, boost patient engagement, and support comprehensive diabetes care.
• In March 2024, Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), a sovereign investor based in Abu Dhabi, signed a definitive agreement to acquire KELIX bio, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on delivering complex generics to emerging markets. This acquisition aims to further enhance the development of the UAE’s life sciences ecosystem. Founded in November 2020, KELIX bio has since acquired manufacturing businesses in India, Egypt, Malta, and Morocco, successfully commercializing a wide range of oral and injectable formulations across various therapeutic areas, including diabetes, oncology, cardiology, and central nervous systems.

Key Market Players

• Abbott Laboratories S.A.
• Bayer Middle East FZE
• Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC
• Nestlé UAE LLC
• Baxter MEA FZE
• Reckitt (Arabia) FZE
• Roche Diagnostics Middle East FZCO
• Medtronic META FZ-LLC
• Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf FZE
• Merck Serono Middle East FZ-Ltd

Report Scope:

In this report, the UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market, By Product:

o   Oral

o   Enteral

o   Parenteral

• UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market, By Care Stage:

o   Adult

o   Paediatric

• UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Online

o   Retail

o   Institutional Sales Channel

• UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market, By Region:

o   Abu Dhabi

o   Dubai

o   Sharjah

o   Rest of UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market.

Available Customizations:

UAE Clinical Nutrition For Diabetes Care Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).