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 Management Program. Your Ochsner-affiliated primary care provider can help you enroll.

The Diabetes Management Program 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 educators 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 diabetes educator 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.

Ochsner Diabetes Care Management Program

The Ochsner Diabetes Care Management Program is a new resource based on recommendations from the American Diabetes Association and the American Medical Group Association’s diabetes program, “Together 2 Goal.”

Program Resources

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
• Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring Daily Instructions
  • Daily Log
• 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 Health Center - Summa
9001 Summa Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
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

North Shore Diabetes Management Program Locations

Ochsner Health Center - Slidell
2750 Gause Blvd., East
Slidell, LA 70461
Ph: 985-639-3777