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Man Dies of Diabetes After Repeatedly Voicing Fears
23 Apr
Summary
- Man died from diabetic ketoacidosis after raising diabetes fears.
- GP advised non-emergency number despite severe dehydration symptoms.
- Inquest identified missed opportunities for urgent medical help.
Joshua Haines, 30, from Leeds, died from diabetic ketoacidosis between March 16 and 19, 2025, following multiple calls to his GP on March 16, 2025. He expressed concerns about symptoms and suggested diabetes, despite no prior history.
His GP advised him to contact NHS 111, a non-emergency service, rather than seeking an in-person assessment. Evidence at Wakefield Coroner's Court indicated that if his severe dehydration, vomiting, and slurred speech had been properly escalated, he would likely have received a category two emergency response.
The inquest heard from ambulance and investigating medical staff who suggested "red flags were missed." A doctor involved in the case acknowledged potential mistakes and the need for different actions, stating, "I could have done things differently on reflection."
Assistant coroner Naomi McLoughlin identified missed opportunities, such as the lack of a face-to-face appointment and no 999 call, but could not definitively link them to his death. The family's representative urged for a verdict connecting the failures to the death and a report on preventing future deaths.
