Diabetes Free SC

Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) is a long-term commitment to reduce health care disparities and improve the health status of all South Carolinians affected by diabetes.

A woman sits at a desk and checks her blood sugar with a glucose meter.

Diabetes Free SC Continues Mission With New Funded Initiatives

Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) is expanding its efforts to eliminate diabetes in our state with three new funded initiatives. DFSC is a long-term solution to address health care gaps and reduce diabetes in South Carolina. The initiative does this through three primary strategies: preventing diabetes and its complications in adults; reducing the risk of lifelong diabetes in children; and improving pregnancy outcomes in women with diabetes. The newest initiatives funded by DFSC will focus on adult nutrition, children’s wellness and women’s health.

A young girl plays basketball with her father.

Reducing Diabetes in South Carolina

More than half of all adults in South Carolina have diabetes or prediabetes. About 120,000 are unaware they have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association^®. Each year, 26,000 South Carolinians are diagnosed with the disease. In 2022, Diabetes Free SC supported multiple new initiatives aimed at reducing diabetes in South Carolina.

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A person of color sits on the edge of a hospital bed. They are holding onto a walker and looking out the window.

Addressing Health Inequities in Communities of Color

Diabetes affects hundreds of thousands of people in South Carolina. But it does not affect them at the same rate. The rate of the disease is higher among Black residents than white. It affects more than 16 percent of Black people in the state. It affects 11 percent of white residents.

An illustration shows health care workers of different gender and ethnicity

Investing in Community Health To Prevent Diabetes

Our communities play a key role in our daily lives. The people we meet every day influence our decisions, even our health-related decisions. Community health workers (CHWs) have become a vital part of how people seek and receive care. Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) recognizes the crucial role CHWs play in the health of a community. In August 2021, DFSC announced the Community Health Worker project as a new funded program to help reduce diabetes and its complications among South Carolinians.

A pregnant woman cradles her belly while looking at a tablet held by her doctor.

Prenatal Programs Put Moms in Control of Diabetes

Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) launched Management of Maternal (MOMs) programs in 2020. These efforts are part of a long-term commitment to improve the health of all South Carolinians. The MOMs programs accomplish this by improving pregnancy outcomes for women with diabetes.

Screening for Diabetes in Dental Clinics

DFSC is working with two federally qualified health centers in South Carolina to increase access to screenings: Affinity Health Center in Rock Hill, and Fetter Health Care Network in Charleston. These centers provide high-quality, comprehensive care and a wide array of support services, including dental care

A masked male dentist holds tools as he speaks with a female patient.

Two parents and three children work together to prepare a healthy meal.

Staying Healthy During the Back-to-School Rush

Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) is supporting two complementary organizations that focus on school-based wellness: the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness. Both organizations work with schools and school districts across our state to ensure our schools are the healthiest places they can be — for students, staff, families and communities. In the back-to-school spirit, DFSC offers some of its favorite tips to make sure your family stays healthy during this busy time of year.

A young child sits at a table with her hands behind her head and a sad expression. An empty bowl sits in front of them on the table.

The Link Between Nutrition Insecurity and Diabetes

Healthy eating is vital to prevent and manage diabetes. Limited access to affordable, healthy foods can increase the likelihood of poor health outcomes from the disease.