Wife's error led to diabetic's death

Alexander Donaldson, 45, of Downland Avenue, fell into a coma after he received the dose in December last year.

He died at the Fourways Nursing Home, Peacehaven, on March 8.

An inquest at Eastbourne on Tuesday heard that it was the second time his wife Alison had administered an overdose. On the first occasion, in November last year, he recovered.

On both occasions a vital home blood test was not taken to see whether insulin was needed to bring down his blood sugar level.

When she found her husband, who was an alcoholic, unconscious Mrs Donaldson gave him the insulin, believing it would 'buck him up' and bring him round.

Instead it caused permanent brain damage and put him in a coma as his blood sugar level was already low.

She said her husband generally dealt with the insulin himself and it was not until after his death that she gained more of an understanding of diabetes and why insulin was needed.

Dr Andrew Starling, of the Meridian Surgery, Peacehaven, confirmed he was aware of no specific instructions being given to Mrs Donaldson on how to administer insulin.

Police interviewed Mrs Donaldson after her husband's death but no charges were brought.

Mrs Donaldson told the court her husband, who was a plasterer by trade, had been an alcoholic for 15 years.

He had taken to his bed more than two years ago and rarely got up. He drank heavily and smoked cannabis every day.

She said: 'At times it was like he was pushing the self-destruct button.'

Coroner Alan Craze said he was satisfied Mrs Donaldson had acted in good faith and the death was a tragic accident.

Verdict: accidental death.