Doctors at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai have finished training 300 people to work as community diabetes doctors, nurses and volunteers after a successful trial in four neighborhood health centers.

"We also started a three-year research program on diabetes treatment and education to work out a practical and useful method to help patients effectively control diabetes," said Dr Zhao Liebin from Ruijin Hospital's diabetes center.

Under the program, community doctors encourage patients to keep a diary on his or her diet, blood-sugar levels and exercises for individual attention.

"Usually, many patients avoid a rich dinner and go all the way to a big hospital for one blood test in the early morning. Such results can't show a patient's actual situation, due to the effects of being nervous in a crowded hospital," Zhao said.

"We want patients to lead a normal life and check their blood sugar regularly at home or at a neighborhood health center to reflect their actual status. A diary is the most important and helpful for doctors to give prescriptions for living well."

Doctors said patients should ideally check their blood sugar after breakfast, lunch and supper at home with a blood glucose meter.

(Shanghai Daily June 21, 2007)