Diabetic Negligence Claims

Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition that needs to be treated and managed appropriately.

There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 – an autoimmune condition where insulin is not produced. About 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1
• Type 2 - where the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2

Whatever the type of diabetes you have, your GP, diabetic nurse, Consultant or other healthcare provider such as a podiatrist, should monitor your condition closely and provide you with the appropriate treatment to prevent it from worsening. If this isn't done, you could fall victim to one of the following complications:

Cardiovascular Disease

Damage to the heart and blood vessels is commonly known as cardiovascular disease; this includes all diseases of the heart and circulation such as heart disease and stroke. People who are diabetic are at increased risked of cardiovascular problems.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye which can cause blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Regular screening can detect problems at an early stage.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Neuropathy

Up to 10% of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers. They can occur in anyone, and refer to a patch of broken down skin usually on the lower limbs or feet. People with diabetes may also have poor nerve function which means that they do not feel any pain when treading on something, or wearing tight shoes. Cuts, blisters and bruises can all cause foot ulcers. Healing is also reduced where diabetes has narrowed the arteries and there is poor blood flow.

Diabetic Amputation

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of amputation and foot problems are the most common reason. Everyone with diabetes should be educated in foot care and should have regular foot examinations. Many amputations could be prevented with simple foot care.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes affects pregnant women, who don’t have diabetes before their pregnancy. It is usually diagnosed through a blood test at 24-28 weeks into pregnancy. Most women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy babies but there is a risk of complications if gestational diabetes is not diagnosed or managed appropriately. Complications include:

• Needing to be induced
• Having a caesarean section
• Having a larger than normal baby (macrosomia)
• Your baby suffering from neonatal hypoglycaemia (low blood sugars), which can result in brain injury if not recognised
• Perinatal death (your baby dying at birth)

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Nephropathy refers to kidney failure which usually happens slowly over many years and is caused by damage to the small blood vessels. The kidneys regulate the amount of fluid and various salts in the body which helps to control blood pressure. When the kidneys start to fail, the filtering and cleaning of the blood cannot be done normally and the body cannot get rid of waste products in the blood. In severe cases, dialysis may be needed to do this job for the kidneys.

As part of your yearly check up your doctor should monitor your blood pressure and perform blood and urine tests. Up to 40% of diabetics will develop nephropathy, although it is possible to prevent or delay with proper blood pressure and blood glucose control.

How Can We Help You? 

With good diabetic knowledge most of these complications can be controlled or avoided with the correct treatment plan.

When medical treatment goes wrong, only lawyers with expert legal knowledge will do. Here at Joseph James Law we recognise the devastating effect that a diabetic injury can have. We understand that a serious injury can be a severe financial, physical and psychological burden on the whole family. We understand the importance of compensation and can help you obtain a settlement that will help with any financial and future care needs that you may have.

Our clinical negligence team have a strong medical background with some team members having previously been Registered General Nurses before qualifying as solicitors. Some of our solicitors are also members of the Law Society Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel and are recognised experts in conducting high value, catastrophic injury claims.

For a free and confidential assessment of your potential claim by our Specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitors please contact us on Freephone 0800 999 1234.