A 14‑year‑old boy with type 1 diabetes in Oklahoma County fell into a diabetic coma in December and later had both legs amputated, according to court records and prosecutors. His mother has now been charged with felony child neglect, and investigators say they are still piecing together how a treatable condition turned into a life‑altering medical emergency.
What prosecutors allege
Court documents reviewed by KOCO state that the teen was rushed to OU Children's Hospital in December in diabetic ketoacidosis after relatives gave him table sugar and he lost consciousness. The filing says his insulin prescription had not been filled since August 2025 and that he had not seen an endocrinologist since January 2025. It also alleges he was sent to stay with family members without the insulin, other medications or supplies he needed to manage his diabetes.
How missed insulin can spiral
Diabetic ketoacidosis, often called DKA, develops when the body does not have enough insulin and starts breaking down fat for energy, which produces acidic ketones. If those ketones build up, they can trigger vomiting, dehydration and eventually coma without rapid medical care, the Mayo Clinic explains. Public‑health guidance notes that missed insulin and chronically high blood sugar can set the stage for infections and poor circulation, which in the worst cases lead to tissue death and amputation. Early treatment in the hospital with fluids, electrolytes and insulin is critical to reverse DKA and limit permanent damage.
Charges and legal context
Prosecutors have charged the boy's mother, identified in court records as Chantonyia Harrison, with felony child neglect. Filings and local reporting indicate the case was filed this week and that the investigation is still active. Oklahoma treats caretaker abuse or neglect as a serious felony, with penalties that depend on the statute used and the extent of the harm, according to Justia.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not said whether more charges are on the table as they gather medical records and other evidence. Future updates are likely to come through court dockets or public statements from the Oklahoma County district attorney's office as the case moves forward.
.jpg){kind=link}