The evolution of commercialized glucose sensors in China.

The glucose monitor with a screen-printed carbon sensor has been in commercial production since 1994. In last 15 years, around 10 companies have been involved in manufacturing and marketing the meters and glucose test strips and are being strong competitors of the companies which import these products. Comparison of early stage glucose meters and glucose test strips with latest fabrications showed a large increase in production volume and improved functional features. It also showed technological development of glucose monitors including circuit improvement, as more integrated computer processor units (CPU) are now being used. The technology of mass-production of disposable screen-printed test strips has been widely used in local industries mainly for the production of blood glucose test strips. The opportunities and challenges in local diabetes market are discussed in this paper.