Cook County Jury Awards $51 Million in Missed Glucose Test Case

Routine hospital visit led to devastating brain injury, attorneys say

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structures of the human heart and circulatory system, conceptually representing the medical emergency at the center of this story.A medical malpractice case exposes the critical need for routine diabetes screening in emergency rooms to prevent devastating outcomes.Chicago Today

A Cook County jury has awarded a 47-year-old man over $51 million in a medical malpractice case after attorneys argued that doctors at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center failed to properly test his blood sugar during an emergency room visit, leading to a severe diabetic crisis and permanent brain injury.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of routine diabetes screening in emergency rooms, as a simple blood sugar test could have identified the condition and prevented the devastating outcome for the patient. The large jury award underscores the significant impact of missed diagnoses and the need for improved medical protocols.

The details

According to testimony, John Reinke went to the OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in 2022 complaining of a severe headache. His attorneys said doctors did not test his blood sugar despite clear risk factors for diabetes, including obesity and a history of gout. He was diagnosed with a tension headache, given medication, and sent home. Days later, Reinke was found unresponsive after suffering a cardiac arrest caused by a severe diabetic crisis. He now has a permanent brain injury and requires round-the-clock care, unable to walk, talk, or eat on his own.

  • In 2022, Reinke visited the OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center with a severe headache.
  • Days after his initial visit, Reinke suffered a cardiac arrest due to a severe diabetic crisis.

The players

John Reinke

A 47-year-old man who was awarded over $51 million in a medical malpractice case after doctors failed to properly test his blood sugar during an emergency room visit, leading to a severe diabetic crisis and permanent brain injury.

OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center

The hospital where Reinke visited the emergency room and was allegedly misdiagnosed.

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What they’re saying

“I hope that screening for diabetes becomes a mantra in emergency rooms across the country so that outcomes like this can be avoided.”

— Jason Williams, Attorney for John Reinke

What’s next

Reinke's legal team says they hope the case raises awareness and leads to more routine diabetes screening in emergency rooms. OSF Healthcare System and the doctor named in the lawsuit continue to deny any wrongdoing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of thorough medical testing, especially in emergency room settings where quick diagnoses are crucial. The large jury award highlights the devastating impact that missed diagnoses can have on patients and their families, and serves as a wake-up call for healthcare providers to prioritize comprehensive screening protocols.