Managing diabetes is about striking a balance in your daily habits, nurturing both your mind and body, and working closely with your healthcare team. Let’s explore how lifestyle changes and strong connections with your primary care provider can help you thrive with diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to manage glucose levels effectively. This happens when the body either doesn’t make enough insulin, doesn’t use insulin properly, or both. While medications and insulin therapy are often essential, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. What you eat, how active you are, how well you sleep, and how you manage stress all have a significant impact on blood sugar control.
The good news? Small, consistent changes in these areas can make a big difference in how you feel each day, and in your long-term health.
Healthy Eating: Nourish Your Body, Not Restrict It
Managing diabetes through food doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you enjoy. It’s more about finding balance and making choices that keep your blood sugar steady.
For example, focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods digest more slowly, preventing the sharp spikes in blood sugar that can occur after meals. A plate that’s half non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, or peppers), one-quarter lean protein (like chicken, fish, or tofu), and one-quarter whole grains (like brown rice or quinoa) is a simple and effective way to plan balanced meals. The American Diabetes Association offers excellent meal planning recommendations to help you manage your blood sugar levels and enjoy your meals.
Portion control is another important part of the picture. It can be easy to overeat even healthy foods, so try using smaller plates or measuring servings until you get a feel for appropriate portions.
Real-life example: If you love pasta, consider swapping traditional noodles for a smaller serving of whole-grain pasta and adding plenty of vegetables and grilled chicken. You’ll still enjoy your favorite dish while keeping it more diabetes-friendly.
Physical Activity: Movement That Fits Your Life
Exercise is one of the best tools for managing diabetes because it helps the body use insulin more efficiently. You don’t need to spend hours at the gym to see results. Even moderate activity like walking, swimming, dancing, or gardening can help lower blood sugar levels and boost energy.
Try starting small if you’re new to exercise. Aim for a 10- to 15-minute walk after meals. Over time, work up to at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. The key is to find something you enjoy so you’ll stick with it. For example, a person who walks their dog twice a day or takes a group fitness class a few times a week is already doing wonders for their blood sugar control and heart health.
Did you know that blood sugar spikes after eating a meal? One of the best ways to help your body regulate that blood sugar spike and stabilize insulin levels is to take a quick walk after each meal. Yes, a quick, brisk walk after meals can be tremendously beneficial compared to sitting and staying inactive.
Stress and Sleep: The Hidden Influencers
Many people don’t realize how strongly stress and poor sleep can affect blood sugar. When you’re under stress, your body releases hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Similarly, lack of sleep can make it harder for your body to use insulin properly.
Simple stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or spending time outdoors, can make a significant difference. It can also be helpful to discuss what’s stressing you with a trusted friend, counselor, or support group.
Prioritizing quality sleep is another vital step. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, limit caffeine consumption later in the day, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine—such as turning off screens an hour before bed or reading a book.
The Importance of Your Healthcare Team
While lifestyle changes are powerful, regular medical care is equally important in managing diabetes effectively. Your primary care provider at Cullman Internal Medicine plays a crucial role in coordinating your care, monitoring your progress, and adjusting your treatment as needed.
Wellness visits and follow-ups are crucial for detecting changes early, before they develop into complications. During these visits, your provider will check important markers, including your A1C (average blood sugar over several months), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and kidney function. These numbers give a clear picture of how your diabetes is being managed and whether any adjustments are needed.
Having a strong relationship with your PCP also means having someone who knows your health story, your lifestyle, challenges, and goals. Together, you can create a plan that works for you, not just a one-size-fits-all approach. At Cullman Internal Medicine, we take a patient-centered, individual approach to healthcare. This means we value your input and work with you to help you achieve your goals.
For instance, if your blood sugar has been running high despite taking medication, your provider might discuss whether changing your diet, adding more physical activity, or adjusting your medication could help. Likewise, if you’re feeling burned out or frustrated, they can offer support, encouragement, or referrals to specialists such as diabetes educators or nutritionists.
Building a Support System
You don’t have to manage diabetes alone. In fact, support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals can make living with diabetes much easier. Joining a diabetes education class or a local support group can also help you stay motivated and learn from others who are facing similar challenges.
For example, some people find success by cooking diabetes-friendly meals with their family, turning it into a shared activity rather than a solo effort. Others might find accountability and encouragement by walking with a friend or attending a community fitness class.
Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection
Living well with diabetes is about progress, not perfection. Every positive step, whether it’s choosing a healthier snack, checking your blood sugar more regularly, or making that follow-up appointment, moves you closer to your goals.
It’s also normal to have setbacks. Maybe you overindulged during the holidays or skipped a few workouts. That’s okay. What matters most is getting back on track and reminding yourself that every day is a new opportunity to take care of your health.
Living Beyond the Numbers
When you focus on living well, not just lowering blood sugar, you begin to see how much more life has to offer. You have the energy to spend time with loved ones, pursue hobbies, travel, or simply enjoy the little things without feeling limited by diabetes.
Medication, when needed, is an important part of the equation, but it’s the daily lifestyle habits and ongoing connection with your primary care provider that create long-term success and freedom.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes may be part of your life, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Through mindful eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and quality sleep, you can take control of your health and live life to the fullest.
Don’t underestimate the value of staying connected with your primary care provider and scheduling regular wellness visits. These visits help ensure your care plan stays on track, catch any issues early, and provide you with the opportunity to discuss your progress and challenges.
Living well with diabetes means working as a team with your team at Cullman Internal Medicine, your loved ones, and yourself—to create a lifestyle that supports your body, mind, and spirit. When all those pieces come together, you’ll find that diabetes management isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. If you are living with diabetes in the Cullman, AL area and looking for a supportive primary care provider, please do not hesitate to reach out to Cullman Internal Medicine. We are here to work with and guide you every step of the way. Contact us today.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.