Mother Arrested for Neglecting Diabetic Son

A mother from Lower Swatara has been arrested and charged with a felony after failing to provide her diabetic son with necessary insulin, which led to his hospitalization in the ICU for the third time in three months, according to police reports.

Meghan Diffendall, 36, faces one charge of endangering the welfare of children, as stated in the police documentation.

Authorities reported that her 13-year-old son, who has type 1 diabetes, used expired insulin, resulting in severe diabetic ketoacidosis on November 13. This condition, which can be life-threatening, occurred while he was hospitalized in the ICU.

The boy’s parents explained that he had taken his long-acting insulin, but due to an insurance denial—his insulin brand wasn’t covered—they had to resort to using potentially expired medication found in their fridge, in hopes it was still effective.

On the morning of November 13, the boy experienced symptoms like chest pain, vomiting, and unusual breathing patterns, prompting his parents to rush him to Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Earlier, just three days before, he had been discharged from the hospital after another bout of diabetic ketoacidosis. In total, he has been hospitalized three times over the last three months due to inadequate insulin levels, as per police statements.

The child has since been released from the hospital, according to the affidavit.

His parents noted that he primarily manages his insulin independently at home, but they check his levels when they are around.

Police expressed concern regarding the teen’s oversight in managing his insulin, particularly as his blood sugar levels consistently exceed those typical for someone with type 1 diabetes.

While diabetic ketoacidosis can sometimes occur even with proper management, authorities highlighted that the teen’s current condition indicates poor control of his diabetes, raising significant safety concerns.

According to medical experts, diabetic ketoacidosis happens when the body lacks sufficient insulin. It can lead to symptoms like vomiting, but it is typically preventable through regular ketone monitoring and adequate insulin usage.

A doctor suggested that puberty might complicate the situation since it tends to increase insulin resistance, posing challenges for parents trying to shift care responsibilities to their child.

However, the primary issue appears to be the need for adult supervision, complicated by the boy’s ADHD and mental health challenges. Although a doctor recommended that the parents undergo diabetes education together in September, only the father attended, as the mother was reportedly asleep at home during the session.

The father told police that his wife prefers to sleep during the day and stay awake late at night.

The last time their son’s long-acting insulin prescription was filled was back in January 2025, and a doctor remarked it was surprising the teen had not experienced more instances of diabetic ketoacidosis without the essential insulin he requires.

Daily insulin administration is vital for managing type 1 diabetes and preventing conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, low blood sugar, and long-term organ damage. Without proper care, this condition can turn life-threatening.

Diffendall’s preliminary hearing is set for November 26, and she was released without needing to post a bond.