SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As the active spring planting season hits, it is important for farmers to keep healthy. Good habits often get neglected as the dirt flies and tractors rev.

A health issue that can slow a farmer down is diabetes. Dr. Michael G. Jakoby, associate professor of endocrinology at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, said, “Diabetes is one of the top seven causes of death. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for those under 65; diabetes is now the leading cause of kidney failure, and it is the leading cause of amputation unrelated to trauma because diabetic neuropathy injures along nerve projections in the hands and feet.”

Taking precautions is important because diabetic patients also have a high risk of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) thanks to arteriosclerosis, which is clogging, narrowing and hardening of the body’s large arteries and medium-sized blood vessels.

“The effects of diabetes are devastating,” Jakoby warned. “There are two types of diabetes: there is a very rare type called diabetes insipidus, but the most common is diabetes mellitus.”

The American Diabetes Assoc. (ADA) defines diabetes mellitus as “a condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from the body’s inability to use blood glucose for energy. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. In Type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is unable to use insulin correctly.”

“Ninety-five percent of the people suffer from Type 2 diabetes,” Jakoby explained.  “About 5 percent of the diabetic population suffers from Type 1 diabetes and have an absolute requirement for insulin to survive; currently, there are approximately one million individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes becomes more prevalent as we age.”

In addition, there is also the common condition called pre-diabetes, in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. ADA statistics show that today there are 79 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes.

The ADA shares that symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss and extreme fatigue and irritability. Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include symptoms previously mentioned and frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling/numbness in the hands/feet and recurring skin, gum or bladder infections.

Many times individuals with pre- and Type 2 diabetes don’t have any noticeable symptoms, making this an insidious disease. “There are usually no symptoms at the time of diagnosis and most individuals have had diabetes for four to seven years,” Jakoby added.

While everyone is at risk, studies have determined that diabetes and pre-diabetes is more common in blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population. Genetics plays a big part in who does and does not become diabetic.

Being overweight is also a main factor in diabetes. Jakoby pointed out, “Eighty percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.”

Tips to stop pre-diabetes from becoming diabetes or to keep diabetes at bay are common sense. The ADA states, “You can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. Change your diet, increase your level of physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.”

While in the field it seems eating a healthy diet is impossible, but with a bit of planning, farmers can reduce the risk of diabetes by eating well during this stressful time. Rather than chips, try fresh fruit and cut-up fresh vegetables. Taking time to get out of the tractor and move and be alert is also important and does make a difference.

Jakoby said a Finnish study and the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study performed in the United States both showed by following a formal diet and exercise regimen, participants lost approximately 15 pounds over three years and that risk of Type 2 diabetes fell by nearly 60 percent. To make a difference, an individual needs 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, of exercise a week – and walking was the most common exercise in both studies.

Take action today to reduce your risk. Check out the ADA website at www.dia betes.org or make an appointment with your doctor for more information.