"Diabetes is one of four chronic diseases that seriously threaten Chinese people's health. China has many diabetes patients, and we face a severe situation and need to prevent and treat the disease," Wang Pei'an, vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) told the audience at the promotional activity of the 2016 World Diabetes Day hosted by the NHFPC in Beijing on Nov 13.

Wang stressed that diabetes should be prevented and treated at its early stage. However, everyone should take responsibility for their health, living in a healthy way and having the dietary awareness to prevent diabetes in daily life.

The activity in Beijing released an "experts' consensus on China's diabetes prevention and control". Currently, more than 10 health institutes provide blood glucose measurement, complication screening and health consultation for community residents in Beijing.

More than 600 representatives and officials from relevant departments of the NHFPC took part in the activity.