Finding into death of Jill Hughes

75y · Female·Infective complications of a left hand injury with diabetic ketoacidosis

A 75-year-old woman died from infective complications of a left hand wound sustained in a fall from a ladder in November 2023, complicated by undiagnosed diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite family encouragement to seek medical attention, she declined treatment, claiming falsely to have seen a doctor and taken antibiotics. The wound became severely infected with cellulitis, lymphadenopathy, and bone exposure. She had not accessed any medical care or medications for two years prior to death. The case highlights the dangers of untreated infection in diabetic patients, the importance of medical engagement despite patient reluctance, and the risk of social isolation and self-neglect in elderly living alone.