ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors for lost follow-up of diabetic patients, looking for suitable follow-up methods for patients in the region of Central and Western China, in order to help ensure the quality of follow-up, improve the rate of follow-up and provide a basis for improving the quality of patients' continuous nursing outside of the hospital. MethodsContinuous nursing was carried out for 600 patients discharged from our department by two full-time diabetes education nurses from September 2012 to April 2014. The data of outside hospital patients who were lost in the follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. According to the sequential order of the patients, they were divided into three groups. The difference among the three groups of patients was analyzed and the effect of nursing intervention on patients' follow-up loss was also analyzed. ResultsThe rate of lost follow-up for the three groups were 29.4%, 20.3%, and 12.2%. Big classroom participation rate was 29.4%, 50.5%, and 57.5%. The lost follow-up rate of group three using team comprehensive management pattern was lower than that in group 1 with traditional supervision intervention. The age of the patients who were lost in the follow-up concentrated under 40 and above 75 years old. The patients with a disease history longer than 10 years with more complications were more likely to be lost in the follow-up. The main reason for lost follow-up was self-conceit and lack of awareness of the follow-up. ConclusionDiversified ways of follow-up can complement each other which can reduce the rate of lost follow-up.