The sooner we stabilize glucose levels, the lower the risks become to both you and your baby. To accomplish this, we tackle issues from several different sides, always tailoring your care to your individual situation. Here are some of the highlights of our program.

You’ll have an entire team of medical experts supporting you. Our Diabetes in Pregnancy Program cares for more than 800 pregnant women every year, and our researchers are always working on new clinical trials to improve outcomes. Established in 1987, this specialized program provides the latest evidence-based, personalized care to address gestational and other types of diabetes as well as to your unique prenatal needs.

Here at The Ohio State University, you’ll get the benefit of our leading edge-research. As a major recipient of funding for diabetes research in pregnancy from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ohio State leads some of the largest clinical trials focused on diabetes management in pregnancy. This includes:

• A gestational diabetes mellitus study with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network led by Mark Landon, MD.
• The ACHIEVE trial with Kartik Venkatesh, MD, PhD, which explores the impact of addressing unmet social needs and using a novel mobile device and continuous glucose monitoring to improve glycemic control among a high-risk population of pregnant people with type 2 diabetes.

Our clinic provides ongoing prenatal care, co-manages patient care with other physicians or is available for consultations for patients from central Ohio or across the state.

Common diabetes screening tests and treatment

Using the latest advancements to protect pregnancies

The Diabetes in Pregnancy Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center uses the most effective methods for detecting and treating diabetes. Depending on your health needs, we may recommend any of the following:

• Glucose test
  Also known as a glucose challenge or tolerance test, this screens for gestational diabetes, usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• Regular glucose reviews, which may include the use of continuous glucose monitors
  A physician will review your glucose monitoring log to start or adjust medication, as needed. If you need to begin taking insulin or another oral diabetes medication, you’ll learn how during a one-on-one education session with our diabetes nurse.
• Ultrasound
  A level 2 (targeted anatomy) ultrasound is done at 18-20 weeks to check for possible abnormalities and birth defects, such as cardiac malformations and other structural defects that can be related to your diabetes.
• Fetal echocardiogram
  This in-office screening late in the second trimester is done by a pediatric cardiologist. It checks the structure and function of the baby’s heart before birth and for the presence of heart defects.
• Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring sensors
  Our team is comfortable managing diabetes in pregnancy with the latest technologies, including continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. These advanced technologies allow continuous insulin doses and they deliver accurate, timely glucose measurements so we can quickly identify issues and adjust our approach.
• Postdelivery glucose testing and continuity of postpartum diabetes care
  Expectant women with gestational diabetes are seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. We can test for it 6-12 weeks after delivery and refer you to an endocrinologist as needed.

For our patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, we strive for seamless transition from our program back to a primary care provider and endocrinologist for further management.

Lisa Buccilla, RN

I started my nursing career in Labor and Delivery after receiving my education at Mount Carmel School of Nursing. I’ve been with Ohio State Maternal Fetal Medicine for the last 13 years. I’m passionate and dedicated to providing quality care for each of my patients and their families all while remaining mindful of their individual preferences and needs. I am grateful to be surrounded by a team of highly qualified professionals to be able to tailor care accordingly.

In my downtime, I mostly enjoy time with my family and friends. I love traveling, especially to warm places, listening to live music, football and gardening.

Bridget Iadicicco, RN

I started my nursing career as an labor and delivery nurse on a very busy unit in Pittsburgh, which laid the foundation of my love for Obstetrics. I enjoyed helping families through some of the most challenging and crucial times of their lives. I left beside nursing to pursue a career shift to community health/home care for Ob. It was through that time that I found my passion for teaching and education. I find it rewarding to help families navigate the challenges they are faced with during their pregnancies. They say nursing is a calling, and I am glad my calling is here at Ohio State.

In my personal time, I enjoy paddle boarding and any water activities. I am a pet mom to Felix (dog) and Deekon and Faith (cats).

Melissa Rainier, RN

My career began as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I joined the team at Ohio State Maternal Fetal Medicine in 2020, and the best part of my job is helping women optimize their health and the health of their baby, both during pregnancy and beyond.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. My husband and I have a son and two cats.

Julie Somppi, RN

As a diabetes nurse specializing in diabetes education in pregnancy, I collaborate with our physicians to help achieve the best possible outcomes for moms and babies. I work with a team that helps patients manage their blood sugar during pregnancy. I enjoy helping patients learn to manage blood sugar in order to prevent potential complications during pregnancy and delivery.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We love traveling, especially to Disney World and Washington, D.C. You can also find me searching for beach glass on Lake Erie. I also enjoy being creative with crafting and photography. 

Brenda Widmayer, RN

I became interested in becoming a diabetes nurse educator at Maternal Fetal Medicine after I experienced gestational diabetes in my second pregnancy. I’m passionate about reducing the lifetime complications associated with diabetes and about lowering our patients’ risks for developing type 2 diabetes during their life. I hope to have an impact on lowering the incidence of type 2 diabetes, as it has become a global epidemic.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my grandchildren. I like to stay active walking with friends and taking fitness classes. I also enjoy reading, especially at the beach with my toes and the sand.

Dedicated Program Nurse

Kori Fenner, MHI, BSN, RN, OCN

I am the Nurse Manager for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and I’m passionate about supporting our nurses so they can provide high-quality care that results in the best possible patient outcomes. Our nurses are enthusiastic about and committed to staying abreast of the current research and technology that guides our management of diabetes in pregnancy.