Sunday, November 14, saw the "13th World Diabetes Day," which is important for 7 per cent of Shanghai's population -- victims of the affliction.
The diabetes rate in the city is even higher than the national average of about 5.6 per cent and greater than the 6 per cent rate of developed countries.
Li Xinjian, director of the Chronic Disease Department of Shanghai Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said: "Historical statistics show that the diabetes incidence rate has doubled every 10 years in China. The survey in 1986 shows that the disease incidence rate was about 1 per cent, which climbed to about 2 per cent by 1996."
Unhealthy lifestyles, changing lifestyles and less activity are major reasons for the climbing rate. In addition, genetic characteristics of the Chinese mean they are more vulnerable to the disease.
"Locals aren't fully aware of the disease until serious implications - cardiovascular diseases - occur," said Shen Weifeng, vice president of Ruijin Hospital.
Meanwhile, medical experts suggest improving health education and treatment models for diabetes patients because sufferers usually have other complications like high blood pressure, obesity and high blood fat content.
"What diabetes patients need is personalized consulting and education from medical professionals - busy Chinese physicians usually spend less than 10 minutes with a patient," said Dr Liu Zhimin from the Diabetes Association of the China Medical Society.
