Each year many people in Louisiana and across the nation are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is a serious condition in which a person’s pancreas produces insulin, but their cells cannot use insulin effectively, causing what physicians refer to as insulin resistance. This leads to high blood sugar, which could cause long-term damage to a person’s health.

However, according to one study, over one-third of those over 30-years-old who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not have this condition, but instead actually have type 1 diabetes. This misdiagnosis can lead to organ damage, as treatment for type 1 diabetes differs from treatment for type 2 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes must receive insulin to keep their blood glucose levels steady, or they could experience ketoacidosis — a life-threatening condition. However, not everyone with type 2 diabetes is treated with insulin.

Such a misdiagnosis could lead to a worsened condition or even death. If a doctor is negligent in diagnosing a person with type 2 diabetes rather than type 1 diabetes, that doctor should be held accountable. A person whose health is made worse due to a misdiagnosis may want to learn more about pursuing a medical malpractice claim. Such claims could provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

However, these types of lawsuits are complex and often depend on expert testimony. It is generally not something a person will want to handle without getting the right information. Those interested in pursuing such claims will want to learn more about their unique cases to ensure they make decisions that are appropriate.