BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Brunei has launched a new program to provide Type 2 diabetes patients with advice on healthy nutrition, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring, local media reported on Sunday.

According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, the program, named "BALANCE," allows Brunei's Ministry of Health to assess the impact of digital interventions on improving diabetes management, focusing on lifestyle changes and self-management.

Brunei's ministry also rolled out an initiative to promote walking and other forms of exercise to increase daily steps, either individually or in groups, according to the report.

In Brunei, the local dietary customs include a preference for sweet foods, and obesity and diabetes are relatively common among citizens. ■