Deceased
CM
Demographics
55y, male
Coroner
Coroner John Olle
Date of death
2024-01-23
Finding date
2025-01-06
Cause of death
Diabetic ketoacidosis
AI-generated summary
CM, a 55-year-old man with severe congenital disabilities and Type 2 Diabetes, died from diabetic ketoacidosis while residing in a disability support facility. In the week preceding death, he experienced reduced appetite, vomiting, and elevated blood glucose levels despite diminished oral intake. ED assessments on 16-17 January advised monitoring. A telehealth consultation on 21-22 January revealed the family declined medical investigation, intravenous fluids, nasogastric/PEG feeding, and medications. CM's condition deteriorated with weakness, lethargy, and shallow breathing. The coroner found the medical care provided by the facility, GP, and ED was reasonable. No causal nexus existed between CM's 'in care' status and his death. Clinical lesson: earlier recognition of DKA signs (elevated glucose with vomiting and lethargy despite reduced intake) and consideration of assertive metabolic intervention, even when families decline full investigation, might have altered outcomes. The case highlights tension between respecting advance wishes and recognising acute metabolic decompensation.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
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