The 2024 Annual Meeting was a great success!
More than 150 diabetes-focused professionals connected at the DFSC Annual Meeting. Formal presentations, opportunities to network and engaging table discussions inspired attendees from across the state.
State of Diabetes in South Carolina
Diabetes Free SC (DFSC) executive medical director, Timothy J. Lyons, M.D., provides an overview of diabetes in the Palmetto State and the connections needed for a diabetes-free South Carolina. Highlights include strategy of effective healthcare related to diabetes, the vision of DFSC and goals for statewide cohesion to defeat diabetes.
The Power of Community Engagement in Addressing Diabetes in South Carolina
Associate Professor. Vice Chair for Faculty Engagement, Department of Medicine | Medical University of South Carolina
Keynote address by Aundrea Loftley, M.D. covers the relationship between health equity and community engagement and how DFSC is creating partnerships to reduce health disparities. Key highlights include successes in reducing gaps related to diabetes treatment and prevention in South Carolina, guiding principles for community engagement, the impact and benefits of engagement in community, institutional and individual domains.
Value-Enhanced Connections with Public Health to Address Diabetes in South Carolina
Director, Health Programs Branch, State Epidemiologist | S.C. Department of Public Health
Linda J. Bell, M.D. outlines the measured impact of diabetes in South Carolina and what communities can do to improve the numbers. Key highlights include the State Health Improvement Plan, goals, objectives and interventions, and resource links available through the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Dr. Bell encourages communities to activate engagement and leadership, encourage policy, and confront misinformation and disinformation related to diabetes.
Let’s Go Upstream: Investigating the Intersection of Spirituality and Diabetes
Senior Pastor | Welfare Baptist Church, Belton, SC
Rev. Ankoma Anderson, Sr. M.Div., Ph.D. shares how spiritual belief systems impact one’s view of disease management, the link between beliefs and socioeconomic status, and strategies to positively impact health disparities faced by those predisposed to diabetes. Key highlights include value of understanding spiritual beliefs and faith-based connections to address health-related issues.
Strengthening Clinical Linkages for Improved Patient Outcomes in Diabetes Care
Grant Program Manager | Management of Maternal Diabetes (MOMs) and Women's Health Initiative Programs | Prisma Health, Midlands
Makala Smith of Prisma Health Midlands offers key components of clinical linkages in the management of maternal diabetes as evidenced through the DFSC Management of Maternal (MOMs) Diabetes program. Highlights include defining the effective components, their value, challenges in developing and strategies to strengthen clinical linkages for the diabetes patient.
Improving Health Outcomes Through Collaboration for a Diabetes-Free SC
Clinical Support Manager | Affinity Health Center, Rock Hill, SC
Dee Brown shares the value of community health workers in supporting effective diabetes management along with examples of a successful collaborative model. Key highlights include integration of community resources and healthcare services, partnerships to reach people through community linkages, and facilitate supports that meet social determinants of health.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Research Connections for Effective, Affordable Treatment
Executive Medical Director, Diabetes Free SC | BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Timothy, J. Lyons, M.D. exhibits clinical research and data on fenofibrate, an existing, generic medication, that yields positive outcomes for reducing progression of diabetes-related eye disease. This clinical presentation includes detailed background, trial methodology, data, and learning assessments for medical providers.
Table Discussion Report
Table discussions followed the morning and afternoon presentations. Attendees shared their responses to prompts by the speakers, discussing ideas and sharing experience from their given areas of work.
This Table Discussion Report captures the collective voices from each of the 20 tables. It includes the insights from public health workers, clinicians, educators, and community leaders on 10 key topics.
Save the Date
The 2025 Annual Meeting will be Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
Details to follow.