Home YiJianAn and Meiqi Pioneer Smart Glucose Management with Internet-Enabled CGM System

YiJianAn and Meiqi Pioneer Smart Glucose Management with Internet-Enabled CGM System

Dec 21, 2019 08:00 CST Updated 08:00

Old Yang, a diabetic patient in Beijing, has been over the moon lately. In the past, although he took his medication on time, adhered to a bland diet, avoided social gatherings with friends, and frequently monitored his blood glucose levels using test strips, his blood sugar readings continued to climb steadily. To make matters worse, excessive dietary restrictions often left him plagued by hypoglycemia, causing palpitations and fatigue. Caught between fluctuating blood glucose levels that posed a threat of complications and a monotonous, joyless life, Old Yang was constantly fretful and despondent.


Unexpectedly, last month, a friend gifted him an “Yijian’an Meiqi Continuous Glucose Monitor,” claiming it could provide 24-hour intelligent glucose monitoring and offer early warnings. Initially skeptical, he was overjoyed after wearing it: “I used to be at the mercy of my blood sugar levels all day long; now I can take proactive control. It feels like a complete turnaround!”


Now, Lao Yang can clearly see his real-time blood glucose fluctuations, accurately identify which foods, behaviors, and emotions have a significant impact on his blood glucose levels, develop a more scientific dietary plan, and receive early warnings when his blood glucose becomes abnormal. “With my blood glucose under control, I no longer feel anxious about eating as I used to!”


Strategic Alliance Forges Leader in Dynamic Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems


The continuous glucose monitor mentioned by Lao Yang is officially named “Yijianan-Meiqi Real-Time Glucose Monitoring System (RGMS-III),”It is one of the most advanced personal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices currently available in China, and the only domestically produced CGM device, aside from Abbott’s offerings, that can be purchased on major e-commerce platforms.It can monitor blood glucose levels in real time, 24 hours a day, every three minutes, and display the readings on a screen (such as a receiver or smartphone). It also issues alerts when blood glucose levels rise or fall beyond predefined thresholds, helping patients manage their blood sugar effectively.


By wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), users can undergo real-time monitoring of their blood glucose levels, detecting fluctuations that are difficult to identify through traditional methods—particularly postprandial hyperglycemia and asymptomatic nocturnal hypoglycemia. This approach helps reveal blood glucose variations associated with factors such as food types, exercise modalities, medication regimens, psychological factors, and lifestyle habits, thereby assisting patients in developing personalized dietary and exercise plans and providing data-driven references for physicians’ treatment strategies.


This product was jointly developed by Beijing Letang Life Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yijian’an”) and Huzhou Meiqi Medical Device Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Meiqi”), with both teams comprising seasoned experts in the medical device industry. “Previously, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was primarily used in healthcare institutions, while personal CGM in China is still in its early stages. However, in developed countries such as the United States and Germany, research and development of related technologies began as early as the turn of the 21st century,” said Zhang Lei, Chairman of Yijian’an.


It is reported that in 2010, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) released an expert consensus on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology. Experts believe that personal CGM technology can provide real-time blood glucose information along with alarm and early warning functions, assisting patients in immediate blood glucose regulation. Current evidence indicates that blood glucose management guided by CGM can achieve superior glycemic control outcomes.


Having worked diligently in the “Internet + Healthcare” sector for many years, Zhang Lei keenly recognized this trend: “Consumer-oriented continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology is bound to reshape the landscape of the diabetes market.” Consequently, Yijian’an and Meiqi, which has been deeply entrenched in the B2B continuous glucose monitoring field for many years, quickly reached a mutual agreement.In October 2019, the “Yijian’an-Meiqi Continuous Glucose Monitoring System,” jointly developed by both parties for the consumer market, was officially launched, becoming the first domestically produced continuous glucose monitor to enter the retail market.


“Internet + Healthcare” Enables Precise Blood Glucose Management


Yijian’an-Meiqi Real-Time Glucose Monitoring System (RGMS-III) leverages the “Internet + Healthcare” model to create a leading smart wearable glucose control device in China, comprising a disposable glucose sensor, data transmitter, auxiliary wearing tools, and a mobile app.


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Actual Photos of the RGMS-III Product


The glucose sensor utilizes patented three-electrode sensing technology. Once the device adheres to the skin, three medical-grade rigid probes, each 0.25 mm in diameter and 4 mm in length, penetrate the subcutaneous tissue. The insertion process is virtually painless, enabling continuous monitoring of interstitial fluid glucose concentration. Glucose oxidase on the electrodes catalyzes an electrochemical reaction with glucose to generate electrical signals. The system receives a glucose signal every 10 seconds, records an average glucose value every 3 minutes, and logs 480 glucose readings per day. These electrical signals are converted into blood glucose values via algorithmic calculations and displayed as graphs on a mobile app.


The real-time glucose data output by this product is more accurate, with a measurement range of 0–40 mmol/L. Both the upper and lower limits for glucose measurement exceed those of similar products. Real-time blood glucose data can be transmitted via Bluetooth to smart devices such as smartphones, providing timely alerts in cases of hypoglycemia or other abnormalities.


Meanwhile, the product can record daily lifestyle habits, dietary intake, and medication usage, transmitting the data via Bluetooth to smart terminals such as smartphones. It can also be linked to multiple WeChat accounts belonging to the user and their family members or friends, providing a clear overview of blood glucose fluctuations in relation to diet, exercise, and medication. This facilitates improvements in lifestyle habits and helps stabilize blood glucose levels. Additionally, the app automatically issues alerts when abnormal blood glucose levels are detected.


This product abandons the traditional e-ink screen reader and adopts a smartphone app connection, thereby simplifying the usage process.No longer is individual data collection required each time; calibration is needed only once every three days. The system automatically captures 480 blood glucose readings daily, eliminating data loss due to missed measurements and removing the need for scheduled nightly data collection., and allows for on-demand review of historical blood glucose records. It accurately and comprehensively reflects the diurnal patterns of blood glucose fluctuations in patients, thereby improving patient adherence.


The software system developed by Yijian'an leverages big data and AI technologies to provide comprehensive and in-depth blood glucose analysis reports. These include simulated hemoglobin values, mean average glucose levels, preprandial and postprandial blood glucose analyses, as well as reports on the frequency of abnormal glucose readings within high and low ranges. This offers a scientific and convenient decision-making reference for users’ self-management and physicians’ clinical diagnosis and treatment.


What’s particularly impressive is that Yijian An has assembled a dedicated team of professional dietitians. Users can consult via the mobile app about diabetes-related issues, receiving expert dietary guidance and treatment recommendations, thereby achieving truly companion-based blood glucose management.


Zhang Lei stated, “We hope to reach patients, diabetes management institutions, and physicians through the ‘Internet + Healthcare’ model, creating a closed data loop that enables users to manage their blood glucose levels at home without frequent hospital visits.”


Continuous Upgrades to Products and Services Enhance the Quality of Life for People with Diabetes


According to statistics from the Chinese Diabetes Society, the number of people with diabetes in China has reached 114 million, with a prevalence rate of approximately 9.7%. The penetration rate of blood glucose monitoring systems is less than 10%, representing a significant gap compared to developed countries.


Zhang Lei stated, “Continuous glucose monitoring is still an emerging market, particularly as its presence in the home-care segment has been relatively short. Moving forward, we will upgrade our products, enhance our services, and strengthen communication to raise awareness that continuous glucose monitoring systems can make blood glucose manageable and controllable, thereby enabling Yijian’an to deliver greater benefits to more individuals with diabetes.”


It is reported that since the launch of RGMS-III in October 2019, partnerships have been established with multiple Grade A tertiary hospitals and numerous out-of-hospital diabetes management institutions across China. Looking ahead, Yijianan plans to further strengthen its presence in the e-commerce market to expand its product’s market share.


In addition, Zhang Lei stated, “We will provide users with enhanced services by optimizing the RGMS-III software system. Beyond continuous glucose monitoring, we aim to assist users as comprehensively as possible in diabetes management and improving daily lifestyle habits. By collaborating with health management organizations, dietitians, and other professionals, we are committed to helping users effectively manage their diabetes at home and prevent complications.”