Brian Prehna
Type 1 Diabetes Success Story
Brian was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 33. He lived a healthy lifestyle and participated in CrossFit competitions, but quickly learned that T1D is not preventable. After nearly five years with A1c test results above 9%, Brian watched the PBS documentary "Blood Sugar Rising: America’s Hidden Diabetes Epidemic.”
“It scared me straight,” he said. It showed people just like me, who had all types of complications caused by diabetes. They had made excuses and were filled with regret. It finally clicked that I needed to take control of my diabetes before it’s too late.”
Brian lowered his A1c to 6.5% and his diabetes care team is extremely proud of his efforts and success. “He did what he had to do, and his blood sugars are outstanding,” said nurse practitioner Nancy Sidhom. “He implemented lifestyle changes and got results!”
Brian felt the way many people in the documentary did. “I figured I’m on an insulin pump, so I can eat and do whatever I want," he said. "But the numbers don’t lie.”
Brian wears an OmniPod insulin pump and Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM). He started using a Fitbit and paying attention to the food he eats, resulting in a 15-pound loss.
“It’s all diet,” Brian exclaimed. They even lowered my nighttime insulin and took me off my daily pill medications!”
Before the pandemic, Brian was stressed at work, ate poorly, and his blood sugars were out of control. His A1c was 8.7%. He met with a behavioral health psychologist at UMass Memorial who worked with him to address some factors that were impacting his diabetes management.
“She’s incredible! Our meetings, both in-person and telehealth visits, helped me figure out so much about my life and plan action steps.”
Brian learned to redirect his anxieties to be productive, instead of focusing on what he doesn’t have control over. “Our appointments also validated what I’m doing well.”
Brian now lives on Cape Cod but continues to receive his diabetes care at the UMass Memorial DCOE. He combines annual in-person exams with regular telehealth appointments. “The support system they’ve provided me underscores the teamwork the Diabetes Center of Excellence offers.”
He’s learned one of the most important lessons of living with diabetes, which is...