The family of a Hertfordshire teacher who took her own life hope a second inquest into her death will examine how an eating disorder is treated by healthcare services, and whether lives could be saved by integrated services treating the condition.

Megan Davison, 27, died in August 2017. Prior to this, she was suffering from diabulimia - a combination of type-one diabetes and disordered eating, now more accurately known as T1DE.

An inquest in March 2018 concluded the cause of Megan’s death was suicide.

Megan’s family applied for a new inquest to be held to investigate the treatment provided for her T1DE, and the High Court granted the application for a second inquest in September 2022.

The second inquest is now due to be heard by HM Assistant Coroner for Hertfordshire, Alison McCormick, over two weeks starting on Monday.

The coroner will hear evidence from witnesses who were involved in Megan’s treatment.

Megan’s family hope that the second inquest will lead to a Report To Prevent Future Deaths by the coroner in relation to the treatment of T1DE, including about the need for an integrated approach to treatment involving professionals with expertise in diabetes, eating disorders and mental health.

The coroner will hear evidence from witnesses who were involved in Megan’s treatment.The coroner will hear evidence from witnesses who were involved in Megan’s treatment. (Image: Courtesy of Irwin Mitchell)

Megan's mum, Lesley, said: "When we lost Megan, we were heartbroken. The first inquest did very little to answer our questions or provide any kind of closure, as we feel there wasn’t a sufficient investigation into Megan’s diabulimia and mental health problems.

"We are very thankful to have the opportunity for the impact on Megan of T1DE and the treatment she received to be examined at a fresh inquest.

"While nothing can change what happened to Megan and bring her back to us, we’re determined to raise awareness of the condition and to push for change within healthcare services to help prevent the deaths of other people like Megan who struggle with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating."

Megan suffered from diabulimia - a combination of type-one diabetes and disordered eating, now more accurately known as T1DE.Megan suffered from diabulimia - a combination of type-one diabetes and disordered eating, now more accurately known as T1DE. (Image: Courtesy of Irwin Mitchell)

Megan's parents, Lesley and Neal, are represented by Oliver Carter - a public law and human rights solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, and Turan Hursit, a specialist barrister at Old Square Chambers.

Mr Carter said: "The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Lesley and Neal, first losing their beloved daughter and then fighting for a second inquest to fully take into account Megan’s condition.

"While nothing can make up for the pain the family has gone through, we’re determined to help secure them the answers they need to honour Megan’s memory and attempt to move forward with their lives as best they can."

Deanne Jade, director of the National Centre for Eating Disorders, said: "It has been known for a long time that people with Type 1 diabetes are at high risk of mismanaging insulin because of weight concerns, often associated with poor blood sugar control. 

"We believe that it should be mandatory training for eating disorder and other child and adult mental health services to be informed about how to work with someone with diabulimia, now known as T1DE.  These patients need compassionate understanding as well as clinical expertise.

"No sufferer, in an inpatient service particularly, should be left to organise their own diabetes control.

"It has taken great courage for Megan’s parents to transcend their loss and work tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue, so that sufferers have the confidence that they will be properly cared for."