People with diabetes are unable to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Either the body is not producing enough insulin or does not respond correctly to the insulin that is being produced. Diabetes can also develop during pregnancy.
Around 5% of the population suffers from diabetes and it is estimated that by 2025 more than 5 million people in the UK will suffer from one form of the condition or the other.
A quick diagnosis of diabetes followed by careful treatment and management are the best ways to avoid further complications developing.
Due to the significant problems diabetes can cause there are strict guidelines and protocols for healthcare professionals in place for both the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Sometimes however these are not followed. This can be particularly true when a patient is in hospital for separate problems and their diabetes is overlooked.
Typically we see people who have suffered injuries as a result of:
- Delay in diagnosis of diabetes.
- Misdiagnosis – being diagnosed with the incorrect type of diabetes or a different condition altogether.
- A failure to treat your diabetes with appropriate medication and provide you with the correct advice.
- Inadequate supervision/monitoring of diabetes in hospital or in the community.
- Inadequate treatment of a foot infection or other diabetes related complications.
The symptoms and indicators of diabetes which health care professionals should be alert to vary depending on the type of diabetes you have. Some of the most common symptoms however include:
- Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
- Being really thirsty
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Losing weight without trying to
- Genital itching or thrush
- Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision
Without prompt diagnosis and careful management diabetes can lead to very serious complications such as:
- Eye damage
- Foot disease and ulcers
- Heart and kidney disease
- Stroke
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Reduced life expectancy
If you think that you have suffered an injury or poor outcome as a result of failures in your diabetic care then you may be entitled to compensation.
We at Freemans have a wealth of experience in dealing with all types of Clinical Negligence claims. We know that failings in diabetes care can cause devastating and long lasting consequences for a patient and impact upon many other areas of a patient’s health and life. Using our knowledge and expertise we will ensure that your claim is investigated fully in a sensitive manner. We will work tirelessly to ensure you are not only compensated for the pain and losses caused by your injuries but that you also receive support and any further treatment and rehabilitation you may need.
Please call one of our solicitors today on 0191 222 1030 for a free consultation in relation to your claim or complete our website enquiry form.