Despite decades of warnings, Guam’s diabetes and obesity crisis is only getting worse — and now, it’s hitting our children. At the 26th Annual Guam Diabetes Conference, health experts are calling on the community to take control before it’s too late.

With an estimated 30,000 people living with diabetes and 80 percent of Guam’s adult workforce overweight or obese, health leaders say the island is heading in the wrong direction. One of the guest speakers, Dr. Scott Dulebohn of Guam Regional Medical City, says the impact goes beyond numbers.

“That's the round number, those were based on CDC numbers from 2010. But of those, 15% have pain they cannot be controlled by medication. And you hate to see people not move and be miserable," he explained. “It really is a miserable existence. Sympathetic, circulation is ruined, all these things, diabetes ruins your body.”

During the press conference, Patrick Luces of the Guam Diabetes Association said the data tells a troubling story, saying, "With all these obese rates, that attribute to things such as diabetes, heart disease-stroke, just losing 10 lbs would help you to better health.” He noted that ten years ago, Guam’s obesity rates were lower than overweight rates — now, it’s the opposite.

Our population is growing, but not in a healthy way.

This year’s conference theme — “Happy Feet! The Nerve Of Diabetes” — puts the focus on how the disease affects every part of the body, from circulation to nerve damage, and how prevention starts with simple lifestyle changes. Experts warn the problem is starting younger than ever — children on Guam are being diagnosed as early as 2 years old, and the youngest case of diabetic blindness was just 16.

This year’s conference also blended faith, family, and community, encouraging families to take small steps — from diets containing more veggies and fruits and lifestyle medicine to lower extremity care and neuropathy prevention — together.

The message is clear: Guam’s health crisis can be reversed — but only if we move together toward healthier habits. Officials are urging everyone to join next year’s free conference — and start taking steps, literally, toward a healthier island.