South Korea is estimated to have about 6 million diabetes patients and 15 million people in the pre-diabetic stage, but only 600,000 are properly managing their blood glucose levels. This is largely due to the inconvenience and pain of having to prick fingers with a needle several times a day. For those suffering from “needle phobia,” welcome news has arrived.

Healthcare specialist Beautel Co., Ltd. has developed the non-invasive blood glucose meter ‘Happy Zone’, which obtained Class III medical device approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety this month, presenting a new turning point for the domestic blood glucose management market. Official medical device recognition for a blood glucose meter that measures without blood sampling is rare in South Korea.

Established in 2004, Beautel is a technology company that has built technological competitiveness over decades in the communication systems and measurement/instrumentation industries, growing by supplying smartphone measurement equipment to Samsung Electronics’ Wireless Business Division. In 2018, based on its core technology that converts the analog signals of existing measuring instruments into digital form, the company embarked on the development of a non-invasive blood glucose meter, achieving a transition into a healthcare innovation company.

The core technology of the non-invasive blood glucose meter ‘Happy Zone’ is optical measurement. An LED light source with a specific wavelength is directed at the finger to capture minute changes in light as it passes through or refracts within body tissue. A calibration algorithm that incorporates temperature and pressure sensors is then applied to enhance measurement reliability, delivering results in under 30 seconds. The company has secured multiple patents in and outside Korea and has completed its manufacturing infrastructure by establishing a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified plant for mass production of medical devices.

Conventional invasive blood glucose meters have posed challenges for continuous management due to hygiene issues associated with blood sampling and the cost burden of frequent consumable replacement. In contrast, the non-invasive ‘Happy Zone’ does not require blood sampling, eliminating concerns over pain and hygiene, and offers high portability and user convenience. Another advantage is its potential for semi-permanent use. In addition, when connected to a big-data and artificial intelligence (AI)-based application, it analyzes and provides personalized data, enabling systematic blood glucose management.

Beautel is also accelerating its global expansion. To tap into the global blood glucose management device market, estimated at KRW 100 trillion annually, the company is moving forward with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and preparing to enter major markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. CEO Yoon Ji-hyun (pictured) said, “Based on the achievements accumulated in Korea through the extensive technical experience of our veteran research team, which is our core competitive edge, we will secure an advantage in global markets by leading with technological innovation.”

Beautel is expanding its business scope with the goal of evolving into a healthcare platform company based on biometric data. Its medical device division is developing a cholesterol meter and an ultra-compact continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The beauty device division has completed the development of a customized elasticity home-care device that applies AI-based skin thickness measurement technology and plans to launch it in the first half of next year.

Beautel is pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) in the second half of next year. CEO Yoon said, “Following our listing, we intend to further advance our technological competitiveness and grow into a ‘Made in Korea’ healthcare company with a tangible presence in global markets.”

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