Jim Cormier: Type 1 Diabetes Success Story
Learning that his A1C was below 7% for the first time was music to his ears
Jim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just two months old in 1967. For much of his life, diabetes care looked very different than it does today. After his pediatric endocrinologist retired when Jim was 18, his primary care physician prescribed his insulin and syringes, and Jim managed his diabetes that way into his mid-30s.
That changed when he was preparing to become a father.
“It made me realize that I wanted to be around for her,” he said.
When his A1c had risen above 8%, Jim’s primary care physician referred him to endocrinologist Dr. Richard Haas, who was then in private practice in Worcester.
“He changed my life,” Jim said. “Dr. Haas was straightforward about what I had to do. He also connected me with a dietitian who helped me understand nutrition and the importance of portion control and healthy eating.”
Dr. Haas encouraged Jim to try an insulin pump for the first time. After using a different pump for nearly 20 years, Jim switched to a Tandem insulin pump with Control-IQ technology, paired with a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor.
The results were immediate. His first A1c using that combination was 6.1%. "The lowest I can remember,” he said with a smile. “I’ve never been below 7%. This is as close as I’ve ever been to having a normal pancreas in my life!”
Jim credits his diabetes care team of Dr. Haas and nurse practitioner Nancy Sidhom with working closely together with "two sets of eyes helping in different ways.” A diabetes educator helped him nutritionally and also helped with the transition to the new technology. "I appreciate how they all work together to implement changes to my care.”
Along with paying closer attention to nutrition, Jim increased his physical activity. He is also passionate about music and performs in a duo called Functional Drunks.
“I heard my former wife use that term on the phone years ago and thought I’d like to use it for a band name someday,” he said.
The duo performs throughout New England. Their original song, “Work, Weekend, Repeat,” was picked up by internet radio stations, which helped lead to festival bookings nationwide.