In Korea, the number of diabetes patients has exceeded 10% of the total population. According to the Korean Diabetes Association, the number of diabetes patients in Korea had already surpassed 6 million in 2020, and the number of people in the prediabetes stage has also increased rapidly to 15.83 million. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires continuous management through regular blood glucose monitoring. However, traditional glucose testing requires blood sampling, meaning patients must prick their fingers daily—an invasive process that causes significant discomfort. Recently, as a solution to these challenges, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have emerged, enabling users to track blood glucose changes 24 hours a day without blood sampling.
[Fig] Diabetes Prevalence by Gender and Diagnostic Criteria
A CGM device measures glucose levels through a sensor inserted under the skin, using glucose concentration in interstitial fluid to estimate blood glucose values. Glucose concentration is measured every 5 minutes, totaling 288 measurements per day, allowing continuous 24-hour monitoring. In particular, CGM helps determine how well blood glucose levels are maintained within the target range (70–180 mg/dL) for both diabetes and prediabetes patients. It also enables users to evaluate glucose variability through the coefficient of variation, and by keeping this value low (within 36%), the risk of hypoglycemia can be reduced. In this way, CGM provides a strong advantage by allowing continuous monitoring and real-time response to glucose-related risks.
[Fig] Principles of CGM Devices and Market Forecast (Unit: Trillion KRW)
Korean companies are actively participating in the CGM market. i-SENS, Inc. (CEO: Geunsik Cha) became the first domestic company to obtain product approval for a CGM device. i-SENS’s CGM product “CareSens” transmits glucose values measured by the sensor to a smartphone app every 5 minutes without requiring a separate dedicated receiver. It also provides glucose statistics from the past 24 hours, enabling systematic glucose management. Based on its experience dominating the domestic Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) market—previously led by imported products—i-SENS plans to rapidly launch CGM products to expand its market share in Korea.
[Fig] i-SENS’s Glucose Monitoring Device and Glucose Management Software
In addition, Dongwoon Anatech Co., Ltd. developed the world’s first saliva-based glucose measurement technology. This saliva-based glucose testing technology quantifies glucose contained in saliva—which is diluted more than 50 times compared to blood—using an enzyme-containing strip. The system measures glucose by detecting micro-currents generated from the chemical reaction between saliva and the strip. Based on this technology, Dongwoon Anatech developed its own device called “D-SaLife,” equipped with a reader capable of detecting micro-currents. In 2020, D-SaLife achieved 92.5% accuracy in a clinical trial involving 114 patients at Eulji University Hospital. Based on these results, the company plans to enter the market.
[Fig] Dongwoon Anatech’s Glucose Measurement Device and Clinical Trial Results
Furthermore, Korean company Apollon (CEO: Aram Hong) was selected for the TIPS program (700 million KRW in funding) after being recognized for its continuous glucose monitoring technology. Apollon’s technology measures glucose inside the body without needles by using an ultra-compact Raman spectroscopy device. The company is currently conducting clinical trials with the Laser Biomedical Research Center at MIT in the United States. In particular, because Raman signals within the body can potentially diagnose not only blood glucose levels but also various diseases, the technology is considered highly expandable. Apollon stated that, based on the TIPS funding, it will complete successful commercialization through joint research with MIT and enter the market.
[Fig] Apollon’s Raman Signal-Based CGM Device
The government also plans to actively support the adoption of CGM devices. In the second half of this year, CGM devices are expected to be covered by Korea’s national health insurance. This policy is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden of glucose management for type 2 diabetes patients. According to health insurance officials, approximately 413,000 type 2 diabetes patients and 16,000 gestational diabetes patients, totaling about 430,000 people, will benefit. As a result, the cost of CGM devices is expected to decrease from 840,000 KRW to 252,000 KRW, and the cost of sensors from 3.65 million KRW to 1.095 million KRW.
[Fig] CGM Devices Covered Under National Health Insurance
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “with strong government support, the CGM market is expected to grow dramatically. It is important for companies to establish strategies in response to these technological changes.” The Center emphasized that “measurement and analysis technologies for continuous glucose monitoring are critical, and securing IP rights related to these technologies is essential.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#ContinuousGlucoseMonitoring #CGM #iSENS #CareSens #DongwoonAnatech #GlucoseMonitoring #Diabetes
In Korea, the number of diabetes patients has exceeded 10% of the total population. According to the Korean Diabetes Association, the number of diabetes patients in Korea had already surpassed 6 million in 2020, and the number of people in the prediabetes stage has also increased rapidly to 15.83 million. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires continuous management through regular blood glucose monitoring. However, traditional glucose testing requires blood sampling, meaning patients must prick their fingers daily—an invasive process that causes significant discomfort. Recently, as a solution to these challenges, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have emerged, enabling users to track blood glucose changes 24 hours a day without blood sampling.
[Fig] Diabetes Prevalence by Gender and Diagnostic Criteria
A CGM device measures glucose levels through a sensor inserted under the skin, using glucose concentration in interstitial fluid to estimate blood glucose values. Glucose concentration is measured every 5 minutes, totaling 288 measurements per day, allowing continuous 24-hour monitoring. In particular, CGM helps determine how well blood glucose levels are maintained within the target range (70–180 mg/dL) for both diabetes and prediabetes patients. It also enables users to evaluate glucose variability through the coefficient of variation, and by keeping this value low (within 36%), the risk of hypoglycemia can be reduced. In this way, CGM provides a strong advantage by allowing continuous monitoring and real-time response to glucose-related risks.
[Fig] Principles of CGM Devices and Market Forecast (Unit: Trillion KRW)
Korean companies are actively participating in the CGM market. i-SENS, Inc. (CEO: Geunsik Cha) became the first domestic company to obtain product approval for a CGM device. i-SENS’s CGM product “CareSens” transmits glucose values measured by the sensor to a smartphone app every 5 minutes without requiring a separate dedicated receiver. It also provides glucose statistics from the past 24 hours, enabling systematic glucose management. Based on its experience dominating the domestic Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) market—previously led by imported products—i-SENS plans to rapidly launch CGM products to expand its market share in Korea.
[Fig] i-SENS’s Glucose Monitoring Device and Glucose Management Software
In addition, Dongwoon Anatech Co., Ltd. developed the world’s first saliva-based glucose measurement technology. This saliva-based glucose testing technology quantifies glucose contained in saliva—which is diluted more than 50 times compared to blood—using an enzyme-containing strip. The system measures glucose by detecting micro-currents generated from the chemical reaction between saliva and the strip. Based on this technology, Dongwoon Anatech developed its own device called “D-SaLife,” equipped with a reader capable of detecting micro-currents. In 2020, D-SaLife achieved 92.5% accuracy in a clinical trial involving 114 patients at Eulji University Hospital. Based on these results, the company plans to enter the market.
[Fig] Dongwoon Anatech’s Glucose Measurement Device and Clinical Trial Results
Furthermore, Korean company Apollon (CEO: Aram Hong) was selected for the TIPS program (700 million KRW in funding) after being recognized for its continuous glucose monitoring technology. Apollon’s technology measures glucose inside the body without needles by using an ultra-compact Raman spectroscopy device. The company is currently conducting clinical trials with the Laser Biomedical Research Center at MIT in the United States. In particular, because Raman signals within the body can potentially diagnose not only blood glucose levels but also various diseases, the technology is considered highly expandable. Apollon stated that, based on the TIPS funding, it will complete successful commercialization through joint research with MIT and enter the market.
[Fig] Apollon’s Raman Signal-Based CGM Device
The government also plans to actively support the adoption of CGM devices. In the second half of this year, CGM devices are expected to be covered by Korea’s national health insurance. This policy is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden of glucose management for type 2 diabetes patients. According to health insurance officials, approximately 413,000 type 2 diabetes patients and 16,000 gestational diabetes patients, totaling about 430,000 people, will benefit. As a result, the cost of CGM devices is expected to decrease from 840,000 KRW to 252,000 KRW, and the cost of sensors from 3.65 million KRW to 1.095 million KRW.
[Fig] CGM Devices Covered Under National Health Insurance
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “with strong government support, the CGM market is expected to grow dramatically. It is important for companies to establish strategies in response to these technological changes.” The Center emphasized that “measurement and analysis technologies for continuous glucose monitoring are critical, and securing IP rights related to these technologies is essential.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#ContinuousGlucoseMonitoring #CGM #iSENS #CareSens #DongwoonAnatech #GlucoseMonitoring #Diabetes