Adult and Gestational Diabetes Programs: (615) 343-8332
Children's Diabetes Program: (615) 322-7842

The Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Center is one of only three diabetes centers in the U.S. accredited by the American Diabetes Association for treating adult, children's and gestational diabetes. We are one of the top five diabetes centers nationally for number of patients treated.

This web page is for the adult and gestational diabetes programs. Visit the Children's Diabetes Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

A Team of Specialists Caring for Your Diabetes

Your diabetes treatment needs are unique. We will approach your diabetes care as a team of specialists that may include:

  • Cardiologists to assess your heart health and treat problems such as artery blockage.
  • Dietitians to help you achieve your nutritional and health goals.
  • Endocrinologists to monitor your pancreas and other key organs and glands.
  • High-risk obstetricians to offer specialized care to pregnant patients.
  • Lipidologists to help you manage cholesterol and avoid heart disease.
  • Ophthalmologists to treat eye-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy.
  • Specialty pharmacists to assist with ordering and monitoring your diabetes medications.
  • Podiatrists to address any foot complications related to your diabetes.
  • Social workers to assist patients and families with managing diabetes.

Meet our diabetes care providers.

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program

Our Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program helps people with diabetes learn to stay healthy. The program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting national standards for diabetes self-management education and support.

Program topics vary by class, but may include:

  • What is type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Handling feelings about living with diabetes
  • Making food choices and staying active
  • An A1C and why it's important
  • Checking blood sugar
  • What to do about high and low blood sugars
  • Family and support networks
  • Diabetes medicines and tests

Classes are held in groups and are led by Certified Diabetes Educators. Each patient may bring one support person, limited to one for space reasons. For more information or to register, ask your Vanderbilt provider or contact Eskind Diabetes Center.

About the Eskinds

Dr. Irwin B. Eskind, who had diabetes, and his wife Annette provided the vision and gift to create the Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Center.

Support the Eskind Diabetes Center

The Eskind Diabetes Center is a national leader in research, education and patient care. Our researchers have earned world acclaim, including two Nobel Prizes.

Financial donations help strengthen our research and patient programs. Consider giving a gift in honor of a loved one who has struggled or is struggling with diabetes. To recognize your contribution, we will send you an acknowledgment letter and a card to your honoree, when possible.

Make a gift online through our secure donation form.

You can mail a check payable to Vanderbilt Diabetes Center to:
VUMC Gift & Donor Services
2525 West End Ave., Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37203-1761

If you have questions, contact:
Christopher Collins, Associate Vice President for VUMC Development
Ph: (615) 875-2670
christopher.j.collins@vanderbilt.edu

For more information on Planned Giving, please contact:
Tim Kaltenbach
Executive Director of Planned Giving
(615) 343-3119
tim.kaltenbach@vanderbilt.edu