Andrew Nelson
Secondary Diabetes Success Story
Date Posted: Monday, February 03, 2025Andrew Nelson appreciates having been given a second chance. His journey to sobriety began in 2017, and he now appreciates what is truly important.
“Since I stopped drinking, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in a hospital bed after multiple surgeries and procedures for pancreatitis and other health issues,” he said. “But today I feel great.”
Andrew was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes due to damage caused by pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas.
“I required insulin injections throughout the day and had to check my blood sugars,” he said. "That was in addition to all of the pills I was taking for other medical issues.”
He was referred to the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence in 2020, and no longer requires any medication, including insulin!
“They’ve been incredible,” Andrew said, referring to his diabetes care team. They took control right away and cleaned up my medication list,” said Andy. “They removed pills that I no longer needed and got me using a continuous glucose monitor. That thing is a game changer!”
He praised Nurse Practitioner & Diabetes Educator Nancy Sidhom. "She is amazing and easy to talk to. Nancy taught me a lot about healthy eating, carbohydrates, and avoiding & treating hyperglycemia (low blood sugar),” he said. “I learn something new each time I meet with her. She takes time to answer all of my questions.”
"Andrew is awesome," said Sidhom. "His insulin insufficiency was caused by pancreatic damage, but he was able to restore his health and metabolism and no longer needs to inject insulin because he's committed to the lifestyle modifications he's made."
Andrew rebuilt the relationship with his 13-year-old daughter, who means the world to him. He pays close attention to his diet and takes daily hikes with his camera. “I have a new profound outlook and a love for nature,” he said. “Stopping to smell the roses isn’t about admiring flowers; it’s about the people you meet in the garden.”
His newfound appreciation for the world around him led Andrew to pursue a career in photography. He enjoys snapping photos throughout Central Massachusetts, as well as in Maine, where he has family and spends a lot of time. A few of his Studio 24 images are displayed below.
“I try to catch the sunrise and sunset every day,” he said. “Time is the world’s most precious commodity.”