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 — underscoring the urgent need for improved care models.
A Coordinated Response to a Critical Need
Recognizing this need, Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) launched two multidisciplinary prenatal programs 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 these early initiatives — measured by improved outcomes and robust data — led to the continuation and expansion of the program in 2025 under a unified name: SC MOMs (South Carolina Management of Maternal Diabetes).
SC MOMs: Where Innovation Meets Compassionate Care
Since its inception, SC MOMs has served over 3,000 patients across South Carolina. The program is now active at:
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health (Charleston)
• Prisma Health Midlands (Columbia 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.
Tackling the Challenges of Diabetes in Pregnancy
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.
Post-Natal Care through the Women's Health Initiative
The Women’s Health Initiative aims to promote wellness, including post-natal care, among women with diabetes and those who are at risk of developing the disease.
