by Middletown, PA — A 13-year-old diabetic boy in Dauphin County was hospitalized twice within a week — including a stay in the ICU — after his parents allegedly failed to obtain and administer the insulin he required to stay alive. Now, both parents face criminal charges.
Parents Arrested After Alleged Medical Neglect
Authorities say 41-year-old Anthony Diffendall and 36-year-old Meghan Diffendall, both of Middletown, were arrested last week and charged with one count each of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The Lower Swatara Township Police Department confirmed the arrests in brief statements released on Thursday, noting that the charges stem from “an incident that was reported to us.”
According to the probable cause affidavit, the teen — who has Type 1 diabetes — was hospitalized on June 22 and again on September 9 for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening medical emergency caused by a severe lack of insulin.
Second Hospitalization Within Days Leads to ICU Stay
After being released from the hospital on September 10, the boy suffered another medical crisis just three days later, experiencing labored breathing, vomiting, and chest pain.
Doctors at Penn State Children’s Hospital determined he was experiencing yet another DKA episode. This time, the teen had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where he spent several days recovering.
Hospital staff quickly became alarmed.
Physicians told investigators that the teen’s glucose levels were “far outside the acceptable range” for someone with Type 1 diabetes and that he appeared to be the victim of chronic medical neglect. They noted he had suffered two significant DKA events in one week and three in three months, a pattern they described as “deeply concerning for long-term health outcomes.”
Parents Say Insurance Denied Insulin — Doctors Say Records Don’t Line Up
When questioned by medical staff, the Diffendalls reportedly claimed their insurance company had denied coverage for the boy’s long-term insulin. As a result, they said they resorted to using expired insulin they found in their refrigerator.
But investigators say the family’s story didn’t hold up.
The boy’s pediatrician told police that the parents had not refilled their son’s long-acting insulin prescription since January, even though a child with Type 1 diabetes should go through “one box per month.”
The doctor added that it was “basically a miracle” the teen had not experienced even more DKA episodes throughout the year.
Missed Diabetes Training and Prior Warnings
During the June hospitalization, the Diffendalls were directed to attend mandatory diabetes-management classes.
According to the affidavit, Meghan Diffendall never showed up. When hospital staff asked Anthony Diffendall where his wife was, he allegedly replied that she was “home sleeping.”
Medical teams documented concerns about the child’s health as early as summer, stating that repeated DKA incidents in such a short period placed the teen at risk of permanent medical complications or death.
Court Appearance and Upcoming Hearing
Following their arrests, the parents were brought before Magisterial District Judge David H. Judy for arraignment.
The judge released both defendants on their own recognizance, with preliminary hearings scheduled for November 26.
Child welfare agencies are now involved, and the teen is receiving ongoing medical care.
What do you think about the charges and the medical-neglect allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters.
