Patient Success Stories | UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence

Jenna was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at six and a half years old.  Now she is 13 and doesn’t remember much about life before diabetes, but her parents certainly do.  Over the past six years, Jenna has maintained an average A1c of 6.5%, thanks to her diligence and the technology that allows them to track glucose and adjust insulin as needed.

Kayla was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at nine years old in 2006 and doesn't remember life before her diagnosis, making diabetes management her normal life experience. Personal experience with diabetes provides a valuable perspective in her role as a Social Worker in the UMass Memorial pediatric diabetes clinic.   

Better known as "Peterman" to Central Massachusetts baseball fans, Dave was the General Manager of the Worcester Bravehearts and, before that, the on-field emcee for both the Bravehearts and the Worcester Tornadoes.  He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2008 at the age of 29 and has been using an insulin pump that effectively lowered his A1C and allows him to keep up with the daily grind of his current role as Assistant General Manager for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets AA affiliate).    

Lisa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on Halloween night in 1985 at the age of four.  She still remembers being in that hospital room.  Today, the mother of two young boys credits her tight blood sugar control to preparing for pregnancy with the help of a health psychologist and her diabetes care team.  As a Mom, she appreciates more than ever how much her parents did for her as she was growing up.  Lisa is a prime example of someone living their best life with diabetes. 

Alyce decided to take control of her diabetes after years of neglecting it.  Her complications from uncontrolled blood sugars include diabetic neuropathy in her legs with minimal feeling below the knees.  She recently developed kidney problems, and after her uncle passed away from kidney disease as a result of diabetes complications, she decided to take action.   

Emilee was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at two years old. She graduated from UMass Chan Medical School in the class of 2024 with her MD and MBA.  She is continuing her training as a Dermatology resident at UMass Memorial. She appreciates the comprehensive team approach to diabetes care offered at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence. She manages her T1D well and credits her diabetes care team, calling them the best providers she has ever had.  

Paul was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his mid-20s. Over the past 30 years, he has been unable to consistently control his blood sugar levels, despite consulting multiple practitioners who have offered varying approaches to manage them. Six months after meeting Dr. Michael Thompson, Paul's A1c dropped from above 14% to below 6% and he continues to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Andrew Nelson is living his second chance.  He was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes following one of many surgeries as a result of pancreatitis and other health issues.  He was referred to the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence, taking multiple daily insulin injections and other oral medications. Today, he is no longer taking any medications, including insulin!  He credits his care team with helping him become educated about diabetes management, which allowed him to make the necessary modifications to improve his health.  

Bob Christian never lets his Type 1 diabetes slow him down.  He’s an avid kite surfer who flies large kites to pull him along the water on a board and across fields of snow while wearing skis. His transition to life with diabetes was easier than most because his daughter was diagnosed at 13 years old and had been successfully managing her T1D for more than five years. 

NFL tight end Mark Andrews was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. "I adapted a mindset that this disease is a part of who I am, but it’s not going to define me, and it’s never going to stop me from achieving my dreams.  Type 1 diabetes is incredibly difficult, but I refuse to let it affect my job or my life in any way.”  

Julie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at three years old.  A year later, she experienced a seizure from low blood sugar, resulting in temporary paralysis. She thinks about that every day, and it makes her understand the power of diabetes. It's a constant motivator to do her best to manage it. Julie is grateful to her care team at UMass Memorial Medical Center. 

TJ was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2017 at the age of four.  Since diagnosis, he has become more social due to all the interactions with his care team and caregivers.  They get to see his silly, funny, and larger-than-life personality. When asked about his diabetes as a five-year-old, TJ said, “I take shots because my pancreas broke.  I’m still regular.”  

Christine Croteau never lets type 1 diabetes control her.  She continues to challenge herself mentally and physically.  She credits her support system, including her diabetes care team, for her continued success.  Since being diagnosed with T1D at 31, Christine has completed a marathon and a backpacking trek through Newfoundland's backcountry, and she creates inspiring artwork.  VIDEO & PHOTOS

Danielle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 16 months old in 1983.  She moved to Central Massachusetts at the age of 25 and began receiving her diabetes care at Worcester's UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence.  With an A1c consistently around 6%, Danielle’s T1D is currently in the best control it’s been in many years.  She credits her care team, the latest technology, and surrounding herself with a diabetes community. 

Tim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1985 at 8 years old.  He has maintained an A1c between 5.8 - 7% for more than 35 years.  His interest in the science of disease progression led to a career as a research scientist.  Tim also participates in full ironman races, and does not let diabetes get in the way.   

After 10 years of taking oral medication for his type 2 diabetes, Dan's weight and A1c were both on the rise.  He was prescribed insulin by his primary care physician in Ohio, where he resides, but did not feel he was receiving the support necessary to improve his health. Dan's diabetes control greatly improved after he reconnected with his high school friend, Dr. David Harlan. at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence.  

Emilie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was only 13 months old, so she’s never known life without it. Nearly 30 years later, she became a pediatric nurse and diabetes educator at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence in addition to being a patient in the adult diabetes clinic.    

Jim Cormier was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at two months old in 1967. His new insulin pump & CGM, combined with diabetes education, has led to his first ever A1c below 7%. In this success story he shares what motivated him to finally take control of his diabetes. He has a wonderful relationship with his endocrinologist & nurse practitioner and finds value in the team care model at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence.

Jason Winters has been living with type 1 diabetes since he was 21 years old.  After 10 years of uncontrolled blood sugars, his primary care physician referred him to the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence.  He arrived with a dangerously high A1c of 12.3% and today it's below 7%.  His journey wasn't easy, but working with his care team and using the latest technology, Jason's diabetes is finally under control, and his health is improving.

Michael was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his 20’s but for more than 40 years has admittedly done nothing to proactively manage it until enrolling in the Care Coach Program at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence. During his first year working with a diabetes coach, his A1c dropped from 8.5% to 6.4%. He credits his new continuous glucose monitor & weekly coaching calls with keeping him on track. 

Jane Bennett was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes exactly one week from her 31^st birthday.  She had been trying to get pregnant and was told to stop until she could get her A1c from 15% to below 7%.  That was all the motivation she needed.  Dr. Richard Haas recommended that she begin using an insulin pump to help control her blood glucose levels.  Within six months, her A1c level had dropped to 7%, and she was able to conceive immediately.  “I love Dr. Haas,” she said.  “He calmed me down and assured me I can have a baby and live a normal life with diabetes.  He called me every week during my pregnancy.”   

Teresa was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2006.  When she first met with Dr. Malkani, her A1c was 7.5%, which was the highest it had been since her T2D diagnosis. Thanks to a new healthy lifestyle, she lost 25 pounds, dropped three dress sizes, feels much better, and lowered her A1c!  

Anne Moore celebrated her 50^th diaversary in 2022. She’s thankful for “revolutionary improvements in type 1 diabetes therapy” during her five decades living with the disease. Diagnosed in April 1972 at the age of 33, Anne feels the most frustrating part about T1D is its unpredictability.  Over the years, she's learned that greater discipline leads to better health outcomes.

Nan Hilton was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 23 years old.  After years of medications and insulin, she made lifestyle modifications resulting in a 90 pound weight loss and she no longer takes any diabetes medications.  During a difficult pregnancy, Nan developed severe diabetic retinopathy that required invasive surgery and painful injections.  After giving birth she committed to make necessary changes.  She started her journey wearing size 16 pants and XL shirts.  Today she’s down to women’s 4/6 pants and small shirts but prefers to wear junior clothing because they fit her better.  Learn how she did it. 

Peg Olsen celebrated her 60^th anniversary with Type 1 diabetes during the summer of 2021. She was diagnosed at 9 years old and remembers her mother having to boil her urine on the stove multiple times a day to test her blood sugar. For more than 40 years, she chose to manage diabetes with needle injections and tested her blood sugar manually. Finally, she agreed to try an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor in 2002. Learn more about Peg and her 60-year journey living with T1D.

Taylor Connor’s journey with Type 1 diabetes has been a long and challenging road.  Her A1c reached 15% in 2011 and remained elevated until 2016.  That’s when she made a personal commitment to her health and started 2022 with an all-time low A1c of 6.4%.  Taylor’s inspiring story proves it’s never too late to take control of diabetes.  Using an insulin pump for the first time and adopting a healthy eating lifestyle have changed her life.  In addition to improved health, it also resulted in her attending nursing school, and today she’s a UMass Memorial Health Nurse and plans to become a Diabetes Educator.   

Deborah O’Keefe has been living with type 1 diabetes for more than 60 years.  Diagnosed at five years old, her A1c remained above 11% for many years.  Thanks to her care team and willingness to embrace technology, her A1c dropped below 7% for the first time.  

Charles was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2015 at the age of 30.  He was referred to the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence in early 2021 because of severe insulin resistance.  At the time, he was injecting 425 units of insulin each day, but his blood sugars were still above 400 mg/dL, his A1c was 11.0% and his blood pressure was also very high despite taking several medications.  In less than a year, his diabetes care team helped him to lower his A1c to 7%.  

U.S. Olympian and four-time National Figure Skating Champion, Kitty Carruthers, doesn’t allow diabetes to stand in the way of her life. With determination to succeed perfected in international competitions, Kitty is also determined to succeed in staying healthy. Dr. David Harlan has been her endocrinologist for many years, and together they've managed to keep her blood sugars within a healthy range. 

Bruno Graizzaro was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2006 at age of 50.  His weight had crept to almost 300 pounds.  Thanks to several lifestyle modifications he lost more than 65 pounds and maintained it for nearly four years, including throughout the pandemic. Today he remains off insulin and off any diabetes medications and continues to have great blood glucose control.  READ MORE  

Joanne was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1964 at 16 years old.  She appreciates the many improvements in diabetes management since she was a teenager.  Joanne has effectively utilized technology, collaborating with diabetes educators and her care team, and her A1c has remained consistently at about 6.5% over the past two and a half years.

At 15 years old, Nelson was hospitalized for three days with elevated blood sugars and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  He was prescribed a combination of daily insulin injections and the oral medication Metformin.  Three months later, after receiving diabetes education and making lifestyle changes, his blood sugar levels stabilized, and Nelson no longer requires insulin shots.  His Metformin dosage was also lowered, and he feels much better.  

Diane was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1992, soon after college graduation.  In 2021 she was diagnosed with a second autoimmune disease and introduced to Dr. David Harlan at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence.  Her blood sugar control is currently the best it's been in over 20 years and she couldn't be more appreciative. 

Brian was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 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. He took action, and with the help of his diabetes care team, lowered his A1c to 6.5%.   

Lauren's A1c had ranged between 8.2% and 10% for ten years, and almost overnight, her blood glucose dropped to the target range and remained there. Learn about the diabetes care and technology that she credits for her sudden success.  

Frank was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after arriving at the Emergency Room with a blood glucose level over 800, and very close to a diabetic coma. Within six months, he lost 55 pounds and his A1c fell from over 13% to below 6%.  He no longer needs to take insulin. Committing to a lifestyle change has added years to his life.  

Tyler doesn't remember life without type 1 diabetes since he was diagnosed just after turning five years old. He credits his parents with providing a support system to help him navigate day-to-day life with T1D. His message to other young people is a positive one.   

Brandon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a high school senior and went on to play college and professional football. He also competed on the TV show American Ninja Warrior. Brandon enjoys speaking to young people living with T1D to let them know that diabetes will not stop them from fulfilling their dreams. He appreciates the diabetes care he receives from Dr. Nina Rosano at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence in Worcester. 

Sophie admits that living with diabetes can be challenging.  She experienced “diabetes burnout” around the age of 13.  Today, the recent high school graduate serves as the volunteer co-chair of the American Diabetes Association’s Youth Leadership Program, where she interacts with and mentors other young people from throughout New England who live with type 1 diabetes. 

Nicole Johnson won the Miss America title in 1999.  She became the first Miss America with Type 1 diabetes and the first contestant to publicize the use of an insulin pump. Today, Nicole is a nationally recognized diabetes advocate and supporter of the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence. 

Braden and Colby were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in successive years.  They're now united not only by T1D but also by how their kindness inspired each other to "Pay it Forward." 

Ed was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1967 at the age of five. Uncontrolled blood sugar during his youth led to kidney failure and eventually a transplant at age 35.  Diabetes education, embracing technology, and a healthier lifestyle lowered his A1c below 7%. 

Sean Busby is a professional snowboarder living with type 1 diabetes who travels to remote corners of the world on snowboarding expeditions. While training for the Olympics, he endured a complicated diagnosis of T1D. He has since founded Riding On Insulin – a nonprofit organization that hosts action sports programs for kids, teenagers, and adults living with T1D. Each winter, they hold an all-day camp for young people living with T1D and their siblings at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, MA.  

Karen Wright was diagnosed with diabetes in 2003.  Several medications either did not help or made her ill from side effects.  With an A1c over 13%, Karen felt weak and tired and was underweight. After moving back to the Worcester area in 2012, she began receiving care at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence and lowered her A1c to 7.2!  

Hailey was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of six.  She became an active high school student, embracing her new normal.  

Sophia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 12 years old. In high school, she proved that T1D has no limits when she became the first girl in her school’s history to play and score points for the otherwise all-boys varsity football team. Sophia graduated from Elon University and began working at UMass Chan Medical School as a clinical research assistant. Her goal is to become a pediatric endocrinologist or a diabetes educator, helping children navigate the challenges of growing up with diabetes.   

Donald was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1967 at age 26. In his mid-50s, he transitioned from shots to an insulin pump, which he says was life-changing. “We are very proud of Donald,” says Dr. Nina Rosano. “His perseverance pays off and after more than 50 years with type 1 diabetes, he's kept his A1c between 6.3 - 7.1 with minimal complications. I hope his positive story and personal example will motivate other patients to stay closely connected with their medical team.”

Sandy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1984.  After many years, she finally agreed to use an insulin pump, for which she credits the healthy birth of her three children.  Years later, she agreed to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor, which she calls “a game changer”.  Sandy’s determination to control her diabetes was fueled ten years ago, when her middle child was diagnosed with T1D at the age of four.  She credits her diabetes care team, who “truly understand how difficult diabetes management can be and respect those of us living with it every day.” 

Since her diagnosis with type 1 diabetes at age 31, Christine Croteau has not let the disease control her. She continues to find new ways to challenge herself through mind, body and soul. Christine credits her support system, including the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence care team for her ongoing athletic achievement. Her impressive artwork titled “Flights of Freedom: Diabetic Test Strips Metamorphosis into Butterflies” was recently featured in a Worcester art gallery. FULL STORY, VIDEO AND PHOTOS