Contact: Leigh Ann Bell | 256-737-8038
A new comprehensive diabetes care center offering education, management, and support services for people living with diabetes in Cullman County
CULLMAN, AL (March 14, 2025) – Today marks the official opening of the Cullman Diabetes Center, a specialized facility dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetes care and education to residents of Cullman County and surrounding areas. The center, part of Cullman Internal Medicine, has received recognition from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) through their Education Recognition Program (ERP).
The Cullman Diabetes Center offers a range of services including diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES), personalized treatment plans, continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump management, nutrition counseling, and ongoing support for patients with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
"Our mission at the Cullman Diabetes Center is to empower individuals living with diabetes to take control of their health through education, support, and personalized care," said Dr. Adam Harrison, DO, medical director and founder of the center. "We've created a comprehensive program that addresses not just the medical aspects of diabetes management, but also the practical, day-to-day challenges that our patients face."
The center's approach combines medical expertise with practical education and emotional support. The team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, certified insulin pump trainers, certified diabetes care and education specialists, dietitians, and support staff who work collaboratively to help patients achieve their health goals.
Debbie Morrison, the center's dietitian, brings specialized nutritional expertise to the diabetes care team. "Nutrition is a cornerstone of effective diabetes management," said Morrison. "Our goal is to provide not just clinical care but real-world strategies that make diabetes management less burdensome and more effective. We work closely with each patient to develop personalized meal plans that fit their lifestyle, preferences, and specific health needs."
Jill Meggs, BSN, RN, CDCES, a clinical diabetes educator with Medtronic Diabetes who collaborates with the center, emphasized the importance of comprehensive education and support for patients in the Cullman and surrounding areas. “As a Cullman native who has lived with type 1 diabetes for almost thirty years, I have experienced firsthand the need for more local support and access to specialized care for fellow patients living with the disease. Technology has transformed diabetes management, but patients need greater access and proper education to maximize these benefits," said Meggs. At the Cullman Diabetes Center, patients are equipped with understanding how to use continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other tools effectively, which leads to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 38 million people in the United States living with diabetes, and approximately 1 in 5 individuals with diabetes are unaware they have the condition. In Alabama, the prevalence of diabetes is higher than the national average, making specialized care facilities like the Cullman Diabetes Center crucial for community health.
The center's ADA recognition ensures that the educational services provided meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. This evidence-based approach helps patients better understand their condition, make informed decisions about their care, and develop skills for day-to-day management.
Services offered at the Cullman Diabetes Center include: