Recently, I had an incredible opportunity to visit the Microtech insulin pump and sensor factory in China. I must admit, China amazed me with its remarkable technological progress, but what fascinated me the most was exploring this impressive tech factory. I was shocked by how modern technology and attention to detail play a crucial role in developing products that make life easier for people with diabetes.
The factory is located in Hangzhou, a magnificent city with nearly 12 million residents, just a 45-minute high-speed train ride from Shanghai. Davor and I visited the Microtech factory at their invitation and got to see what lies behind the doors of this technological giant. We were greeted by kind and professional young women who made our stay unforgettable.
Microtech manufactures AiDEX and LinX sensors, the patch insulin pump, as well as numerous glucometers and test strips. Seeing the production process firsthand was simply incredible! Walking through the sterile facilities, we witnessed how sensors are assembled into their final form, tested for accuracy, and subjected to multiple quality-control procedures. It’s amazing how every detail, every tiny component, plays an important role in ensuring that the products are as precise and reliable as possible.
The factory produces 10,000 sensors per day, which are distributed worldwide, and I personally had the chance to test their LinX sensor. This sensor is the smallest and lightest I have ever worn—about the size of a 20-cent coin and weighing only 2.16 grams! Besides being extremely accurate and easy to use, the sensor is transmitter-free, does not require calibration (except in rare cases when blood values differ significantly), measures glucose every minute, and lasts for 15 days.
In addition to the official factory tour, we explored the beautiful city of Hangzhou. One of the must-see attractions was the famous West Lake. Despite the large number of tourists, the lake exudes serenity and breathtaking beauty, offering a magnificent natural backdrop for a stroll. The old town is a true historical gem, filled with qipao shops, traditional tea houses, old pharmacies, and restaurants offering the authentic flavors of Asia. Walking through Hangzhou feels like traveling through time—the spirit of the ancient Silk Road is present at every step.
After Hangzhou, we spent three all-too-short days in Shanghai, a city that literally takes your breath away with its scale and modern architecture. We rode the fastest train in the world, the maglev, and visited the third-tallest tower in the world, the Shanghai Tower, which offers a spectacular view of the city’s impressive skyline. Shanghai’s financial district, with skyscrapers piercing the clouds, looked like a scene from a futuristic movie, while the old part of the city offered a completely different, more traditional glimpse into Chinese culture.
We tried dishes from all parts of China—from spicy specialties to sweet delicacies, seafood, and the famous Chinese noodles. Naturally, we ate everything with chopsticks, which added an extra dose of fun to every meal. Interestingly, we managed to maintain nearly perfect glucose levels despite the variety of foods.
China absolutely enchanted me, and visiting Microtech was an experience I will remember for a long time. The fascinating blend of technological innovation, rich history, and extraordinary culture left me speechless. This was one of those trips that stay with you forever.
Author: Antonia Precali
