Do You Know Your Risk for Diabetes? | American Diabetes Month

November 9, 2026

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Think about your last family gathering. Chances are that diabetes touched someone at that table. On Guam, almost everyone knows someone living with it, and as of 2022, the Diabetes Foundation of Guam reports that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes here is 21.6%. This American Diabetes Month, get the facts and find support close to home.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition where there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood. Your body uses a hormone called insulin to move that sugar into your cells for energy. Think of insulin as a key that opens the door. When there is not enough insulin, or it does not work well, sugar builds up in your blood.

  • Type 1 The body makes little or no insulin. It is often diagnosed in childhood but can develop in adults too.

  • Type 2 The most common type. The body cannot make enough insulin or cannot use it properly.

  • Type 3 Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Know the Symptoms

Common signs include urinating often, feeling very thirsty or hungry, extreme tiredness, blurry vision, and cuts or bruises that heal slowly. Type 1 symptoms can show up fast, while type 2 usually develops gradually and may cause few or no symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 40% of people living with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet in the type 2 diabetes range. It often has no symptoms, so a simple blood sugar test is the only way to know. The good news is that healthy eating, regular activity, and a healthy weight can often slow it down or reverse it.

Based on the 2026 ADA Standards of Care, diabetes is diagnosed at an A1c of 6.5% or higher, and prediabetes falls between 5.7% and 6.4%.

Early Action Matters

The theme of World Diabetes Day 2026, on November 14, is “Early action on diabetes.” Here’s how to start:

  • Take the 60-second risk test at diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test. The Diabetes Foundation of Guam also has a printable version.

  • Talk to your doctor about a blood sugar test, especially if you notice symptoms.

  • Share what you know with family and friends and choose empathy over stigma.

Early Action Matters

  • StayWell Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support Program (DSMES): Part of the StayWell Disease Management Program, this program helps StayWell members with diabetes learn how to manage their condition and prevent complications. Eligible members identified through the Disease Management Program are encouraged to enroll and receive tools, resources, and support tailored to their needs. Sessions are led by certified Pacific Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and are available in group settings or one-on-one, as needed. The program aims to provide support and education on:

    • Diabetes care and treatment

    • Healthy coping strategies

    • Monitoring your blood sugar

    • Healthy eating habits

    • Physical activity for diabetes management

    • How to prevent long-term complications

  • Navigating Diabetes series: A 4-part workshop for people living with type 2 diabetes, through the Diabetes Foundation of Guam.

  • DPHSS Diabetes Prevention & Control Program: Education classes, nutrition counseling, screening and referral services, and community outreach.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes is common here, but you do not have to face it alone. Learn the symptoms, check your risk, and make one small change this month. For famagu’on (children) and manåmko’ (elders) alike, early action can make a real difference.

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