Delayed diabetes diagnosis leads to years of unnecessary suffering
Punam Sood settled the claim of a woman who suffered two years of ill health because of a delay in diagnosing diabetes despite tests carried out by her GP showing she was clearly pre-diabetic.
Maxine* had a complex medical history including depression and sleep apnoea and chronic joint pain. She also presented with multiple risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, including a high BMI, family history, and prior gestational diabetes.
In her mid-fifties Maxine underwent an HbA1c test at Chingford Health Centre to detect and monitor for diabetes, which revealed a borderline result. Her GP advised dietary caution and a follow-up test in six months, but this never happened. Three years later a second test showed an abnormal result and Maxine should have had a follow-up appointment with a doctor, yet no action was taken.
Over the next two years, Maxine's HbA1c levels continued to rise, with further abnormal results in two subsequent tests. Despite clear indicators of diabetes, Maxine was not informed or treated, and her BMI remained over 30.
Maxine received an automated text message instructing her to book a diabetic clinic appointment. This was the first time she was made aware of her condition. The impersonal nature of the message caused significant distress, compounded by the realisation that she had likely been diabetic for two years without knowing.
The delay in diagnosis and treatment denied Maxine two years of improved health. Once she began treatment, including Metformin and lifestyle changes, her HbA1c levels dropped significantly, and she lost over 50kg. This led to improvements in her sleep apnoea, fatigue, and mental health. However, the emotional toll of the delayed diagnosis and the missed opportunity for earlier intervention were profound.
Punam brought a successful medical negligence claim against the GP and the practice, highlighting multiple breaches of duty. These included failures to communicate abnormal test results, provide timely treatment, and deliver a proper diagnosis. The case also addressed the emotional impact of learning about a lifelong condition via text message.
Maxine was awarded damages that will support her ongoing recovery, including psychological support, continued diabetes management, and any future care needs. It also recognises the care provided by her husband during the period of untreated illness.
* name changed
Contact us
For further information about delayed diagnosis claims or medical negligence claims, please call Punam Sood on 0330 460 5952 or email punam.sood@fieldfisher.com
Alternatively
- You can speak to our medical negligence solicitors on freephone 0800 358 3848
- email us: personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
- Complete the short online enquiry form
All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee. Find out more about no win no fee claims.
