Virgin Islands Department of Health

12/11/2026

💙 HOW MUCH SUGAR IS TOO MUCH?

From sodas and sweetened juices to energy drinks and sugary snacks, added sugar can sneak into our daily routines.

Regularly consuming too much added sugar, especially through sugary drinks, can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

But here's something worth knowing: You don't have to give up every food you enjoy to make healthier choices.

Start small! Choose water more often, reduce added sugar in your drinks, check food labels, and be mindful of portions.

Our Virgin Islands cuisine has plenty of delicious foods that can be part of a balanced diet.

💙 One small change today can make a difference for your health tomorrow.

12/11/2026

💙 YOUR BODY MAY BE TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING.

Are you feeling unusually thirsty? Going to the bathroom more often? Feeling tired even after a good night's sleep?

These can be warning signs of Type 2 diabetes.

Other symptoms include blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, frequent infections, and cuts or sores that take longer than usual to heal.

But here's what's important: Some people with Type 2 diabetes have no noticeable symptoms at all.

Don't wait until something feels wrong to pay attention to your health.

💙 Know the signs. Know your risk. Ask your healthcare provider about testing.

12/11/2026

"𝐈'𝐦 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞" 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬.

Behind those two words could be anxiety, depression, loneliness, or thoughts of su***de.

Create space for honesty. Let them know struggling with mental health is nothing to be ashamed of—and that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If your teen is in crisis, 988 connects them with trained counselors immediately. Text, call, or chat anytime.
Visit doh.vi.gov/GenZ for tips on starting difficult conversations.

💚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

12/11/2026

Your teen might not say "I'm struggling." But they might show you.

Watch for:
● Withdrawing from family and friends
● Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
● Loss of interest in activities they used to love
● Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless
● Giving away belongings

These could be signs of suicidal thoughts.

Check in. Ask directly: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Listen without judgment.

And remind them: 988 is there 24/7. Text, call, or chat for immediate support.

Visit doh.vi.gov/GenZ for more warning signs and resources.

💬 Early intervention saves lives.

12/11/2026

11/11/2026

💙 COULD YOU BE AT RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 2 diabetes doesn't happen overnight, and many people don't realize they're at risk until their blood sugar is already elevated.

Your risk may be higher if you have a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes, are physically inactive, have overweight or obesity, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Age, a history of diabetes during pregnancy, and certain other health conditions also matter. Black and Hispanic populations experience higher rates of Type 2 diabetes.

Having risk factors doesn't mean you'll develop diabetes. It means knowing your risk and getting tested are especially important.

💙 Talk with your healthcare provider about your family history and whether it's time to check your blood sugar.

11/11/2026

💙 WHAT IS YOUR A1C — AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Your A1C is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It can help identify prediabetes or diabetes, even if you're feeling perfectly healthy.

Here's what your numbers mean:

✅ Below 5.7% — Normal range

⚠️ 5.7%–6.4% — Prediabetes

🔵 6.5% or higher — Diabetes range

If you're 45 or older, or younger with certain risk factors, ask your healthcare provider about screening. People already living with diabetes generally need A1C testing at least twice a year.

You don't have to feel sick to have high blood sugar. A simple test can help you take action before complications develop.

💙 When was the last time you had your A1C checked?

11/11/2026

🇺🇸 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 🇻🇮

Today, the Virgin Islands Department of Health proudly honors the brave men and women of the U.S. Virgin Islands who have served our nation with 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Your service has helped safeguard our freedoms, and your contributions continue to strengthen our Territory.

As we express our deepest gratitude, 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 to ensuring that our veterans receive the care, respect and public health support they have earned and deserve.

🇻🇮 𝗧𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀. 🇺🇸

11/11/2026

💗 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀. 𝗪𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁.

School, friends, family, relationships — sometimes it's just A LOT.

But here's the thing: 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲. 💛

Feeling stressed, sad, or overwhelmed? It's okay to talk about it. It's okay to ask for help.

💕 𝗜 𝗚𝗘𝗛 𝗬𝗢𝗨! 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥!

📱 Call or text 𝟵𝟴𝟴 anytime. It's FREE, confidential, and someone is always there to listen.

🌐 doh.vi.gov/GenZ

10/11/2026

Recommit to a healthier lifestyle this Diabetes Awareness Month.🩵💙