US herbalist charged with death of type 1 diabetes teenager

An American herbalist has been charged with child abuse causing death after treating a 13-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes who passed away.
Timothy Morrow has also been accused of practicing medicine without a licence and could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 (£7,200) fine if found guilty.
It was in 2014 when Mr Morrow was approached by the late teen’s mother, who wanted his advice about treating her son who had reportedly become semi-comatose due to a complication of his type 1 diabetes.
According to a press release issued by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Mr Morrow suggested the 13-year-old should be given herbal oils he sold, rather than the medically prescribed insulin issued by the boy’s paediatrician.
The next day, the unnamed boy had a heart attack and passed away. According to the medical examiner on the case, he would have survived if he had continued taking insulin and been given the right treatment.
City Attorney Mike Feuer said: “The allegations in this case underscore the serious health and safety risks of taking medical advice from someone who lacks a license and the proper training that goes with it.
“No family should have to suffer the tragedy of losing a child because of irresponsible, un-credentialed medical advice.”
Sentencing is expected to take place later this month and the case is still under investigation.
This tragic story illustrates how important it is for people with type 1 diabetes not to miss insulin injections.