
Managing Diabetes Together
You don’t have to face diabetes alone. The experienced team at Ochsner offers the tools and support you need to:
- Manage your diabetes
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Improve your quality of life
Talk with your Ochsner-affiliated primary care provider about scheduling a visit with our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for many years, Diabetes Care and Education Center can help you take control.
We offer important information and expert care on the four key ways diabetes is managed:
- Healthy eating
- Medication
- Physical activity
- Self-monitoring
The challenge of having diabetes can feel overwhelming. But with the help of our dedicated specialists, valuable education and quality services, you will have the support you need to manage your diabetes with confidence.

The Ochsner Diabetes Management Program has been Recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education and support.
Program Locations
- Northshore / Slidell
- Metairie and Jefferson Highway
- Baptist
- Baton Rouge
- West Bank
- St. Bernard
- Kenner
- River Parish
- St. Charles
- New Orleans East
- St. Anne
- Chabert
- Lafayette
- Bay St. Louis
What is Diabetes?
There are two main kinds of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. If you have either type, this means your blood sugar is too high, and that can lead to serious medical problems.
Symptoms of diabetes may include changes in eyesight, frequent urination, weight loss, increased thirst and hunger, excessive tiredness and blurred vision. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but it can be controlled to prevent complications.
What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a rare autoimmune disease in which the body can’t produce insulin, a substance your body needs to control blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes is most common. With Type 2 diabetes, the body can’t use the insulin you produce like it once did, making it increasingly difficult to control your blood sugar. You may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are overweight or lack physical activity
- Are over the age of 45
- Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Are a woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Diabetes Management Program

Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey. We understand that controlling diabetes – along with everyday responsibilities such as work, family and planning for the future – can feel overwhelming at times. Diabetes does not have to slow you down. We are here to help you meet your health goals so you can focus on what’s most important to you.
Education is key to diabetes management. The American Diabetes Association recommends seeing your diabetes educator at least once per year. Diabetes education is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance providers.
Get the education and support you need through Ochsner’s Diabetes Care and Education Center.
Ochsner Health Diabetes Care and Education Center is for adults ages 18 and older that have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The program is led by certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists that are also registered nurses or registered dietitians.
Through group classes and individual appointments, we provide education and support for:
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Prevention and management of diabetes-related complications
- Medication management
- Stress and psychosocial adjustment
- Nutrition and weight management
- Physical activity
- Goal setting and problem-solving
This program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association for meeting all national standards for diabetes self-management and support.
Advanced Services
Your certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can also connect you to additional services as needed:
- Endocrine specialty services and urgent endocrinology services
- Social workers and RN care managers
- Ochsner’s medical fitness program
We can also offer support groups, eye screenings, foot exams and pharmacy assistance.
Educational Materials / Self-Management Tools
- Diabetes-Key Things to Know
- Monitoring Blood Glucose
- Diet and Exercise
- Medications
- Important Tips When You Have Diabetes
- Starting on an Insulin pump? Here is What to Expect.
- Patient Questionnaire - Adult Diabetes Intake Questionnaire For New Patients
- The 3 to Beat in Diabetes: HgA1c, Blood Pressure and LDL Cholesterol
- Blood sugar record for insulin patients
- Blood sugar record for non-insulin patients
- Patient Responsibilities for Managing Diabetes
- Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Diabetes Care offered by Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness
Metairie & Jefferson Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Center for Primary Care and Wellness
1401 Jefferson Hwy.
New Orleans, LA 70121
Ph: 504-842-4057
Ochsner Medical Center - Jefferson Hwy.
1514 Jefferson Hwy.
New Orleans, LA 70121
Ph: 504-842-4057
Ochsner Health Center - Metairie
2005 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70002
Ph: 504-842-4057
Kenner Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Health Center - Kenner
200 West Esplanade Ave,. Ste.703A
Kenner, LA 70065
Ph: 504-464-8646
Baptist Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Health Center - Baptist Napoleon Medical Plaza
2820 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 890
New Orleans, LA 70115
Ph: 504-894-2284
West Bank Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Health Center - Belle Meade
605 Lapalco Blvd.
Gretna, LA 70056
Ph: 504-207-2654
Baton Rouge Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove
10310 The Grove Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70836
Ph: 225-761-5586
Ochsner Health Center - O’Neal
16777 Med. Center Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Ph: 225-761-5586
Ochsner Health Center - Tangipahoa
41676 Veterans Ave.
Hammond, LA 70403
Ph: 225-761-5586
Northshore Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Health Center - Slidell
2750 Gause Blvd., East
Slidell, LA 70461
Ph: 985-639-3777
Ochsner Health Center - Covington
1000 Ochsner Blvd.
Covington, LA 70433
Ph: 985-875-2828
Ochsner Health Center - East Causeway Approach
3235 East Causeway Approach
Mandeville, LA 70448
Ph: 985-875-2828
Ochsner St. Bernard Diabetes Management Program Locations
Ochsner Health Center – St. Bernard
8050 W Judge Perez Dr, Ste. 3100
Chalmette, LA 70043
Ph. 504-493-2200
- American Association of Diabetes Educators (1-800-338-3633)
- American Diabetes Association (1-800-DIABETES)
- American Dietetic Association (1-800-877-1600)
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (1-800-JDF-CURE)
- National Diabetes Education Program (1-800-438-5383)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1-800-860-8747)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1-877-232-4636)