Neglect Allegation: Woman Arrested After Diabetic Teen Drinks Milkshake, No Insulin Given

Neglect Allegation Woman Arrested After Diabetic Teen Drinks Milkshake, No Insulin Given
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In relation to the death of a 17-year-old diabetic, a 50-year-old lady is being held under arrest. Type 1 diabetes was identified as the child victim’s condition in June 2021, per an affidavit released by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

According to reports, Shirl Lee Sweeney was informed by medical staff that in order to keep her blood sugar levels stable throughout the night, the victim needed to take insulin and go to regular checkups.

Nevertheless, a large number of the appointments were postponed or “no-shows.” The 17-year-old’s relationship with Sweeney was not made public by SLED.

The patient was admitted to the hospital in September 2021 due to hyperglycemia, and Sweeney was informed by the staff that insulin use “was not optional.”

SLED claims that the victim last placed an order for the teen’s evening insulin on September 20, 2021, and that she never saw her pediatric endocrinologist again.

Sweeney, 17, reportedly received repeated education from medical experts about his medical condition. Sweeney also has diabetes.

The affidavit states that on August 12, 2022, the victim started throwing up, but Sweeney chose not to go to the doctor despite being aware that this was a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The defendant found the teenager on the bathroom floor the next day and reportedly phoned the police. Apparently, dispatchers overheard her saying, “I knew she shouldn’t of [sic] had that milkshake,” when she was speaking with 911.

The victim was declared dead after being taken to the hospital. The teen’s blood sugar level was 953 mg/dL at the time of her death, and she had lost weight, going from 136 to 98 pounds.

The victim’s blood sugar levels were over eight times higher than what is advised because, according to the CDC, acceptable ranges are 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal and fewer than 180 mg/dL after a meal.

Authorities declared the victim’s death to be a homicide after they discovered she had hyperosmolar ketoacidosis from diabetes mellitus.

Read Also: Arkansas Father Allegedly Kills Man Who Was With His Missing Daughter, Faces Arrest

Sweeney “medically neglected” the teenager, according to SLED, and “placed her at unreasonable risk of harm that affected her life, physical health, and safety.” Her bond of $40,000 keeps her incarcerated in the Charleston County Jail on a charge of criminal behavior against a child.

True Crime News: Woman arrested after allegedly allowing diabetic teen to drink milkshake, failing to give her insulin

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.