An interdisciplinary team of researchers from various Chinese universities have developed a miniature-sized continuous glucose monitoring system that works as effectively as market-leading systems.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT 

The CGM sensor is made of an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), which better amplifies signal-to-noise ratio than conventional sensors. 

It also features a minimally invasive microneedle array and a viscoelastic and diffusive hydrogel which stabilises the skin-device interface. 

WHY IT MATTERS 

In a study published in the peer-reviewed Science Advances journal, the OECT showed comparable sensitivity to the Dexcom G6, which was used as a reference device. 

"This fully integrated, wearable device promises enhanced antinoise ability, reliability, and wearability compared to traditional CGMs," claimed Shiming Zhang, study lead and a professor from The University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Researchers noted that OECTs, based on organic mixed ion-electron conductors, "can operate in aqueous environments at low voltage with low power consumption while maintaining stable performance over months." This makes it "ideal" for detecting weak biosignals in living beings, they claimed. Until late, its practical application in wearable CGMs was unexplored.

The research team, comprising professors from HKU, Zhejiang University, and Guangzhou Medical University, is now moving forward with the clinical application of their CGM system. 

MARKET SNAPSHOT

In China, SiBionics and Zhejiang POCTech are known developers of globally accepted CGM systems. 

The world's leading CGM brand, Dexcom, has released the latest iteration of its device, which is progressively being made available across Asia-Pacific. It was recently announced that Dexcom G7 is set to provide direct Bluetooth connectivity to the Apple Watch. The device received the United States Food and Drug Administration clearance two years ago.

Meanwhile, the latest innovation in wearable health technology in Singapore, a hydrogel-based sensor, utilises skin biomarkers to potentially monitor diabetes and heart conditions.