diff --git a/python/completers/all/identifier_completer.py b/python/completers/all/identifier_completer.py
index cd181fda..8aa013a2 100644
--- a/python/completers/all/identifier_completer.py
+++ b/python/completers/all/identifier_completer.py
@@ -87,8 +87,8 @@ class IdentifierCompleter( Completer ):
   def AddBufferIdentifiers( self ):
     filetype = vim.eval( "&filetype" )
     filepath = vim.eval( "expand('%:p')" )
-    collect_from_comments_and_strings = bool( int( vimsupport.GetVariableValue(
-      "g:ycm_collect_identifiers_from_comments_and_strings" ) ) )
+    collect_from_comments_and_strings = vimsupport.GetBoolValue(
+      "g:ycm_collect_identifiers_from_comments_and_strings" )
 
     if not filetype or not filepath:
       return
diff --git a/python/vimsupport.py b/python/vimsupport.py
index 5399d0eb..6760755f 100644
--- a/python/vimsupport.py
+++ b/python/vimsupport.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def CurrentColumn():
 def GetUnsavedBuffers():
   def BufferModified( buffer_number ):
     to_eval = 'getbufvar({0}, "&mod")'.format( buffer_number )
-    return bool( int( vim.eval( to_eval ) ) )
+    return GetBoolValue( to_eval )
 
   return ( x for x in vim.buffers if BufferModified( x.number ) )
 
@@ -78,3 +78,7 @@ def CurrentFiletypes():
 
 def GetVariableValue( variable ):
   return vim.eval( variable )
+
+
+def GetBoolValue( variable ):
+  return bool( int( vim.eval( variable ) ) )