The purpose of the Diabetes Initiative of South Carolina (DSC) is to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide plan of community outreach programs, health professional education, and diabetes surveillance. The goal is to provide the tools for management of the disease in order to reduce severe complications and cost burdens for South Carolinians who suffer from diabetes mellitus. The Initiative represents a unique melding of private, state, and federal resources and agencies toward this common goal. Nationally, South Carolina has a leading program which coordinates public efforts in the identification and management of this incurable chronic disease.

The Diabetes Initiative of South Carolina (DSC) was created by legislative action and signed into law by the Governor of South Carolina in July, 1994. The law established a Board of Directors with members appointed by the top officials of key organizations with an interest in diabetes and its complications. The Board has met quarterly since its beginning. There are three councils within DSC:

• Board of Directors - oversees all activities of the Center of Excellence Council, Outreach Council, Surveillance Council, and all appointed Committees.
• Center of Excellence Council - responsible for developing and administering professional education programs
• Outreach Council - oversees and directs efforts in patient education and primary care on a community level
• Surveillance Council - responsible for acquiring, analyzing and distributing epidemiologic information about diabetes
• DSC/USC Site - responsible for creating, identifying and integrating programs of the Diabetes Initiative of SC in the Midlands Area.
• Intensive Management of Diabetes in the Hospital Task Force and Steering Committee - initiates implementation of a statewide program of inpatient glycemic management and metabolic control to reduce patient mortality, morbidity, length of hospitalization and cost of care.