Improving Maternal Health Outcomes in South Carolina: The SC MOMs Program
For a developing baby, the first nine months in the womb are foundational to lifelong health. Yet for pregnant women with diabetes, this critical period is fraught with risk. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications, including birth defects, stillbirth and preterm birth. Alarmingly, 4 in 5 pregnant women with diabetes struggle to maintain healthy glucose levels and 50% of maternal deaths occur in the first year postpartum — underscoring the urgent need for improved care models.
A Coordinated Response to a Critical Need
Recognizing this need, Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) launched a prenatal program in 2020 to deliver proactive, team-based care for pregnant women with diabetes. These programs emphasized:
• Integrated, patient-centered care
• Convenient access to services
• Innovative use of technology
• Telemedicine to reach rural and underserved communities
The success of this approach — measured by improved outcomes and robust data — led to the continuation and expansion of the program in 2025.
South Carolina Management of Maternal Diabetes: Where Innovation Meets Compassionate Care
As of mid-2026, SC MOMs has served over 4,100 patients across South Carolina. The program is now active at:
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health (Charleston and North Charleston)
• Prisma Health Midlands (Columbia, Orangeburg and Sumter)
• Prisma Health Upstate (Greenville)
Each site brings together a comprehensive care team, including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, diabetes educators, behavioral health experts and telemedicine professionals. This collaborative model enhances provider communication, streamlines patient visits and ensures high-quality, accessible care. And this model continues care for one year postpartum.
Tackling the Challenges of Diabetes in Pregnancy
Managing diabetes is difficult. Managing diabetes during and after 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.
Model of Care for Managing Maternal Diabetes
The SC MOMs program is designed to improve outcomes for pregnant women with diabetes through a coordinated, patient-centered model of care. Launched by Diabetes Free SC in 2020, SC MOMs addresses the complex challenges of diabetes in pregnancy with a multidisciplinary approach.
Centralized Care and Resources
Women enrolled in SC MOMs through our partner health care sites receive care from a team that includes maternal-fetal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, diabetes educators, nutritionists and community health workers. This integrated model ensures timely interventions, personalized treatment plans and continuous glucose monitoring — helping women achieve optimal glycemic control and avoid complications like birth defects, stillbirth and preterm birth.
SC MOMs also tackles barriers to care by offering services at centralized maternal care centers and through telehealth, making it easier for women in rural or underserved areas to access consistent, high-quality care. Nurse navigators and social workers further support patients by connecting them to mental health services, fresh food, and other community resources. Care continues for one year postpartum to support women with diabetes.
Partner Organizations
SC MOMs is currently serving patients through Prisma Health and MUSC Health. Visit each to learn what is offered to patients and referring providers.
SC MOMs Blog Series: Changing the Course for Women in South Carolina
- SC MOMs Blog Series: Tackling the Challenge of Diabetes in Pregnancy
- SC MOMs Blog Series: Value of SC MOMs — Saving Lives, Improving Outcomes
