Due to the prevalence of diabetes and its related illnesses in the state of South Carolina, a program at MUSC has been developed to address diabetes and women’s health. The Department of Gynecology has developed a program to counsel patients with diabetes preconceptually, a program to follow patients who developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy after delivery and a program to care for individuals with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Preconceptual Counseling in Women with Diabetes:Preexisting diabetes can have an adverse affect on both the women and the fetus. Exposure to maternal diabetes during the first trimester increases the risk of congenital anomalies and spontaneous abortions. Care of Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes:Gestational diabetes occurs when women are diagnosed with glucose intolerance during pregnancy. The physiological changes in glucose metabolism during pregnancy are responsible for this. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a twofold to fivefold greater risk of diabetes after pregnancy than the general population. The risk is highest in women who have the highest glucose levels during or soon after pregnancy, women who are obese, or those who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes prior to 24 weeks gestation. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by obesity, acne, hirsutism (abnormal hair growth), infertility and irregular or absent menstrual cycles. The underlying cause of PCOS is androgen excess. Patients with PCOS are noted on ultrasound to have multiple small cysts below the cortex of their ovaries. The classic disorder starts during puberty, however, it can evolve over time. Insulin resistance has been noted in women with PCOS. This not only puts patients at increased risk for diabetes, but also for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Why choose MUSC?WISE Diabetic Solutions is a specialized OB/GYN clinic designed to treat women of all ages and life stages. WISE diabetic solutions uses a multidisciplinary approach for the care of these patients. The clinic is staffed by a maternal fetal medicine specialist, a gynecologist, certified nurse midwife/certified diabetes educator, a nutritionist and a social worker. In patients with a history of gestational diabetes and PCOS, prevention of further disease progression is essential. By using this team approach including dietary and exercise counseling, our hope is to decrease the progression of the disease. Program Medical Staff:Dr. Jill Mauldin, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Laura Nance, Registered dietician
Mary Bonney, Social work
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