As Sunday marks the 13th World Diabetes Day, medical experts are warning about the chronical ailment that may cause cardiovascular disease as a complication.

About 7 percent of the local population suffers from diabetes, slightly higher than the 6 percent in developed countries, medical experts told a symposium yesterday.

Since diabetes affected slightly on people's daily life, most diabetics paid little attention.

"Many patients won't go to hospital until they contract complications such as cardiovascular disease," said Shen Weifeng, deputy director of Ruijin Hospital. "Cardiovascular diseases are the country's No. 1 killer, claiming 300 people an hour nationwide."

To tackle the problem, a free consultation center -- including a Website (www.heartcn.com), a hot line (800-820-8981) and a mobile phone short message service -- has been set up to provide guidance and information to cardiovascular diseases sufferers.

On Sunday, free consultations will also be available at Shanghai No. 6 People's Hospital, Changzheng Hospital, Changfeng Neighborhood Health Center and Jiao Tong University.

(Shanghai Daily November 12, 2004)