'Action Day' promotes diabetes education and prevention in China

Thursday marks the seventh World Diabetes Day, which was started by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization.

Beijing and 96 other cities across China hosted "action days" to promote awareness about the disease. In the capital, more than 300 people from the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the Chinese Medical Association, and the International Diabetes Federation attended the event, along with patient representatives and youth volunteers.

It was held at Beijing's landmark Yongdingmen Gate. All events included classes, free blood glucose screenings, and an open clinic.

In China, the number of diabetes patients is growing fast. According to the Diabetes Subcommittee of the Chinese Medical Association, one out of every ten people in the country suffer from the disease. And the number of people at risk for diabetes is even higher.

Since 2010, the Diabetes Subcommittee has held "action events" to carry out health education and work toward preventing and treating diabetes.