YAKIMA, Wash. – November is American Diabetes Month and local health providers want to remind the public of resources available to patients of the disease.

In the United States, 24 million adults and children have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The group also reports that 57 million people in the country are at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

A growing concern for health care providers is the impact on children as their diet and lifestyles change. The ADA says one in three children born today will face a future with the disease if current trends continue.

Staff at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital want to make sure they take advantage of their tests and screenings geared for diabetes patients.

Each Tuesday Community Education offers blood sugar level tests between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. without an appointment. They are located at 2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd in the Nob Hill Plaza, the cost is $5.

Another important service is wound care, with foot screenings at an early stage and the hyperbaric chamber for advanced stages of the disease.

Memorial also offers nutrition appointments, classes, and support groups. For more information about any of these programs, call (509) 249-5243.