Thailand's Ministry of Public Health is backing a pilot project to turn a temple into a community health centre, using Buddhist teachings to tackle diabetes and promote healthy living, the Bangkok Post reports.

Permanent Secretary of Public Health, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, said the initiative at Wat Asomthammathayat temple in Sikiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, is based on community and lifestyle and supports the belief that "diabetes can be cured naturally".

Dr. Opas stressed that successful diabetes control, aimed at reducing the number of new cases, requires collaboration between different stakeholders such as hospitals, schools, families and local communities.

In the pilot, 60% of people in the at-risk groups had their blood sugar levels return to normal ranges and 98% of patients reported a reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

He added that the scheme is now being expanded to other temples, including Wat Dao Rueang and Wat Si Chomphu in Chayaphum province, as well as Wat Tha Prachum in Kon Kaen.

More than 20 additional temples have already expressed interest in joining the programme, Dr Opas noted. | BGNES