SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – More than 30 million adults in the U.S. have diabetes and another 84 million have a condition called prediabetes, and unfortunately, the numbers are growing.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin. It results in excess sugar in the blood. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin, can't use insulin it does make well, or both.

In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness month, Regional West health care providers encourage people to have their blood sugar levels checked annually and to know the signs and symptoms of this chronic disease. The three main symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased hunger, and increased urination.

Health care providers also encourage those who have diabetes or prediabetes, to know their blood sugar numbers.

“Blood sugar numbers show how well diabetes is managed,” said Mayda Zimmerman, APRN-NP, NP-C. “By closely monitoring your numbers, you can better control your blood sugar throughout the day, and reduce the chance of having serious health problems.”

Regional West offers a variety of resources for people affected by diabetes, including medical care, education, and support through the Diabetes Care Center. Regional West diabetes care professionals include a board-certified endocrinologist, advance practice clinician, registered nurses, and dietitians.

In January, the Diabetes Care Center and Regional West Community Health will offer pre-diabetes classes for adults. Additional information will be made available in December.

For more information about diabetes resources at Regional West or to check your risk for diabetes, visit rwhs.org/services/weight-management-wellness/diabetes-care-center.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.