Timmins, Ont., woman who had chiropractor treat her diabetes ends up in a coma
A professional health standards review committee is calling for a review of sanctions for a Timmins chiropractor whose patient ended up in a diabetic coma.
An initial review of the case by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee ended with the chiropractor being issued advice to adhere to the scope of practice for chiropractors under Ontario law.
The transcript of the appeal said the female patient went to the chiropractor in October 2018 “to help understand diabetes.” The woman, who had type 1 diabetes, remained his patient until November 2019.
“During this period, the patient and the respondent exchanged numerous text messages, including messages regarding blood sugar, insulin and the patient’s insulin pump,” the transcript said.
On Nov. 10, 2019, she was feeling unwell and went to the chiropractor’s house, because the clinic wasn’t open.
“The patient provided information that during the Nov. 10 visit, she was at the respondent’s house for approximately one hour during which time he gave her vitamins, water and treated her with the activator,” the transcript said.
“She vomited three times during her visit ... the respondent assured the patient when she began vomiting that this was normal, advised that the vomiting was a good thing as it meant that the acidity was leaving the patient’s body, told the patient to continue drinking water and did not seem concerned.”
But on the morning of Nov. 11, she was unresponsive and hospitalized for severe ketoacidosis due to high blood sugar levels due to lack of insulin intake.
The initial review concluded that the chiropractor did not cause the diabetic coma, it was a malfunctioning insulin pump.
However, the appeals board concluded that the chiropractor was not taken to task for not recognizing the seriousness of his patient’s symptoms.
“There is no analysis in the decision regarding whether the respondent met the standard of care required of a chiropractor in failing to advise the patient to seek further medical attention on Nov. 10,” the appeals board said.
“The board finds that the information in the record supports that the patient informed the respondent that she was feeling very unwell on Nov. 10 before the visit, she continued to feel unwell during the visit vomiting several times, she was likely suffering from the early stages of ketoacidosis given her condition and hospitalization the following day, and the respondent did not advise the patient to seek medical attention.”
The board failed to address the standard-of-care issue in its first decision, the appeals body said, in particular the fact he didn’t “recognize the severity of the patient’s condition” and advise her to get medical care.
So it referred the issue back to the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee to issue a new decision in the case.
Read the full transcript here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.