A High Court judge has ruled that doctors can treat a teenager with type 1 diabetes, despite her refusing treatment.
The girl – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has consistently rejected insulin, telling her healthcare team in Plymouth that she wanted to die.
Doctors from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust went to court as the teenager’s life depended on receiving urgent treatment for her condition.
Judge Mr Justice MacDonald heard the case and said he found no evidence to suggest the teenager lacked any mental capacity. Regardless, he has ruled that, under the circumstances, the right thing to do was to override her wishes.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), people who are diagnosed with a chronic health problem are three times more likely to develop depression.
Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder experienced by the diabetes community. It can impact how people manage their condition and can sometimes lead to diabetes burnout.
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be upsetting for some people as they struggle to adjust to managing a chronic condition. However, there is support available and millions of people with type 1 diabetes do manage to live a happy and healthy life once they have come to terms with it.
Many people find the Diabetes Forum helpful for learning about and coming to terms with diabetes.
