Shift in diabetes prescribing patterns observed in Germany

The landscape of diabetes treatment in Germany is shifting as modern pharmacological therapies gain prominence. Data from the German Pharmaceutical Testing Institute (DAPI) shows that the prescription volume for diabetes medication rose by 17 percent between 2021 and 2025 within the statutory health insurance system.

The findings highlight a distinct move away from conventional insulin therapies, which saw an 18 percent decline, toward SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Prescriptions for SGLT2 inhibitors tripled, while GLP-1 therapies grew by 94 percent. Metformin remains the most frequently prescribed medication, retaining its leading position despite these changes.

Industry analysts suggest this trend reflects a broader medical objective to prioritize cardio- and renoprotective outcomes in type 2 diabetes management, rather than focusing solely on blood glucose levels. The data underscores the evolving requirements for therapeutic care in the German market.