Middletown, Pennsylvania – Authorities in Dauphin County have arrested a local couple after their 13-year-old son, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, was hospitalized multiple times for severe diabetic ketoacidosis—an emergency condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Police allege the parents failed to refill his insulin for nearly a year, forcing the boy to rely on expired medication and ultimately landing him in the intensive care unit.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, Anthony Diffendall, 41, and Meghan Diffendall, 36, were taken into custody last week and charged with one count each of endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest followed what police described as an incident reported to the Lower Swatara Township Police Department, prompting an immediate investigation.
The victim, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, was admitted to the hospital on June 22 and again on Sept. 9 due to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition resulting from dangerously low insulin levels. A third hospitalization followed only days later on Sept. 13, when the boy suffered vomiting, chest pain, and abnormal breathing.
Police and medical staff determined the teen had been living without adequate insulin for months, raising major concerns about chronic medical neglect.
Timeline of Events
Doctors first treated the boy in June, marking a serious episode of diabetic ketoacidosis. By September, the victim had endured three hospitalizations within a three-month period, a pattern medical experts said signaled significant lapses in care.
After being discharged on Sept. 10, the child returned to the hospital only three days later in critical condition. Physicians at Penn State Children’s Hospital immediately recognized the signs of another ketoacidosis event and admitted him to the ICU, where he stayed several days.
Medical Findings and Concerns of Neglect
Medical staff reportedly learned that the parents had been using expired insulin found in their refrigerator. The Diffendalls allegedly told hospital workers that their insurance had denied their son’s long-term insulin, leaving them without essential medication.
Doctors reviewing the child’s condition concluded that his sugar levels were “beyond what is appropriate” for someone with diabetes. They emphasized that the boy had experienced two major hospitalizations in just one week, all stemming from a clear lack of proper management of his condition.
“It is basically a miracle that the victim did not go into diabetic ketoacidosis many more times,”
the pediatrician told investigators, according to court documents.
The same doctor revealed that the parents had not refilled their son’s long-term insulin since January, despite the child needing at least one box per month. This raised urgent questions about his safety and long-term health.
Parental Responsibilities and Missed Training
Following the June hospitalization, the Diffendalls were instructed to attend a specialized educational class covering the boy’s condition and daily care needs. However, according to investigators, Meghan Diffendall did not attend.
When questioned, Anthony Diffendall allegedly told authorities that his wife was “home sleeping.”
This revelation contributed to the investigation’s findings of sustained medical neglect over several months.
Official Charges and Court Proceedings
After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors approved charges of endangering the welfare of a child against both parents. The Diffendalls were brought before Magisterial District Judge David H. Judy, who allowed them to be released on their own recognizance.
Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 26, where prosecutors will present more detailed findings about the boy’s medical condition and the parents’ alleged failure to provide essential care.
The Dangers of Insulin Neglect
Type 1 diabetes requires meticulous daily management, including consistent insulin doses, blood sugar monitoring, and medical supervision. Missing even a single dose can be dangerous, and prolonged lack of insulin can easily lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, coma, or death.
Public health experts warn that failing to provide insulin—even for a short period—constitutes a severe risk for minors who rely completely on caregivers to manage their condition.
Families facing financial or insurance barriers are urged to contact local health departments, nonprofit diabetes foundations, or emergency medical services rather than resort to expired medication or delaying treatment.
Conclusion
The shocking allegations out of Middletown highlight the life-threatening consequences of inadequate medical care for children with chronic conditions. While the court process continues, officials emphasize the importance of consistent diabetes management and the critical role parents play in safeguarding their child’s health.
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