Nation in grip of diabetes epidemic, more checks urged

Beijing - China has the highest rate of diabetes - 9.7 percent - and the largest diabetic population - of more than 92 million on the mainland - a leading expert has said.

Ji Linong, who heads the Chinese Diabetes Society, said a diabetic epidemic was prevalent among adults, citing a recently-published study which sampled 46,000 people above 20 from 14 provinces and municipalities.

"Along with economic growth and a new lifestyle featuring a rich diet and less exercise, the number of diabetics will continue to rise," he told China Daily.