Managing diabetes is difficult. Managing diabetes during pregnancy takes a dedicated approach. The SC MOMs program, offered through health care partners and supported by Diabetes Free SC, provides services to mothers at risk for diabetes complications.
Here are some of the challenges and how the services through an SC MOMs program delivers a solution.
1. Management and Treatment
Challenge: Achieving and maintaining target blood glucose levels and ensuring medication safety
SC MOMs Program Solution: The SC MOMs program provides a team-based, patient-centered model of care that includes maternal fetal medicine physicians, endocrinologists, diabetes educators and community health workers. This multidisciplinary approach ensures continuous monitoring and personalized treatment plans, helping women achieve optimal glycemic control. Having providers directly available provides fast adjustments and treatment before a medical crisis.
2. Patient Education and Compliance
Challenge: Ensuring patients understand the importance of managing their diabetes and adhering to treatment plans
SC MOMs Program Solution: The SC MOMs program emphasizes patient education through diabetes educators who teach women how to manage their diabetes effectively. The program also provides continuous glucose monitors and other tools to help patients track their blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about their health. Nurse navigators and community health workers offer additional support to empower patients to follow treatment plans and find paths to their success.
3. Access to Care
Challenge: Limited access to regular monitoring and follow-up care, especially in low-resource settings
SC MOMs Program Solution: The SC MOMs program improves access to care by offering integrated, patient-centered services at single locations. Screening, tests and consultations can be done at the same visit. Telehealth options further enhance accessibility by allowing patients to connect with their care teams remotely via phone, video, health portal, text and email. This reduces the need for frequent in-person visits and makes it easier for women to receive continuous care.
4. Coordination of Care
Challenge: Effective management of maternal diabetes requires coordination between various specialists.
SC MOMs Program Solution: The SC MOMs program integrates a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to provide coordinated care. The care team communicates with the patient’s obstetrician and primary care physician. Social workers connect patients to mental health providers and additional resources to support a healthy pregnancy. This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health are addressed, leading to better outcomes for both mother and baby.
5. Post-partum Follow-Up
Challenge: Ensuring proper management and prevention of diabetes in subsequent pregnancies and postpartum care
SC MOMs Program Solution: The SC MOMs program offers follow-up care through the Women's Health Initiative which supports women in managing their diabetes postpartum. The WHI program offers strategies for coping with new parent stress, mood swings and fluctuating blood sugar levels. Often, new mothers put their health second to their newborn, but continued self-management of diabetes is especially important when hormone levels and other stressors can wreak havoc.
By addressing these challenges through a comprehensive and integrated approach, the DFSC management of maternal diabetes program significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and the health of women with or at risk for diabetes.
