Dogs are known to be man’s best friend and have been used for various purposes over the years, including as guide dogs for the blind, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. However, dogs can also be trained to detect changes in blood glucose levels, making them an ideal companion for people living with Diabetes.
Type 1-Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone controlling the blood glucose amount. People with Diabetes must manage their blood glucose levels daily, which can be challenging. Blood glucose levels can change rapidly, and if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, which makes them able to detect subtle changes in the body odor of their owners. Trained dogs can detect changes in blood glucose levels by smelling the chemical compounds that are present in human breath, sweat, and saliva. This ability is known as medical alert dog (MAD) training, and it has proven to be highly effective in assisting people with Diabetes.
Studies have shown that trained service dogs can detect changes in blood glucose levels with up to 97% accuracy. This means that the chances of false alarms or missed episodes are minimal, making them a reliable tool in Diabetes management.
The training process for Diabetes-alert dogs begins when the dog is a puppy. First, the puppy is trained in basic obedience and socialization skills. Once the puppy has mastered these skills, it is exposed to the scent of low and high blood sugar levels. The dog is rewarded with treats and praise when it shows an interest in the scent. This training process is repeated multiple times over several weeks until the dog can consistently alert its owner to changes in blood glucose levels.
There are different types of alerts that dogs can be trained to provide. There are some that dogs are trained to alert their owners by nudging them, while others are trained to bark or paw at them. Some dogs are also trained to press a button or retrieve a medical kit that contains glucose tablets or syringes.
How Can Diabetes Service Dogs Help Their Owners?
The benefits of having a Diabetes-alert dog go beyond detecting changes in blood glucose levels. Diabetes-alert dogs provide their owners with a sense of security and reduce the stress and anxiety associated with managing Diabetes. They also help their owners achieve better glucose control, leading to fewer episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Apart from MAD training, dogs can also be trained to assist people with Diabetes in other ways. For instance, dogs can be trained to retrieve medical supplies, assist with mobility, and provide emotional support. These dogs are known as diabetic service dogs and play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for people with Diabetes.
Could a Diabetes Service Dog Be Right For Me?
One limitation of using Diabetes alert dogs is their high cost. The cost of purchasing and training a Diabetes alert dog can range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the breed, age, and level of training. However, there are organizations that provide financial assistance to people who cannot afford the cost of acquiring a Diabetes-alert dog.
Another limitation is the availability of trained Diabetes alert dogs. Currently, there is a limited supply of trained Diabetes alert dogs, and there is a waiting list for individuals who wish to acquire one. This is because training a dog to detect changes in blood glucose levels requires specialized skills, and only a few organizations are involved in MAD training.
In conclusion, trained dogs are highly effective at alerting their owners to changes in blood glucose levels. They provide their owners with a sense of security, reduce stress and anxiety, and help them achieve better glucose control. While the cost of acquiring a Diabetes alert dog can be high, there are organizations that provide financial assistance to people who cannot afford it. Although there is a waiting list for acquiring a Diabetes-alert dog, their benefits make them a valuable tool in Diabetes management. We can say that trained dogs are an innovative and effective tool in managing Diabetes, and they offer an unmatched level of companionship and assistance to people with Diabetes, enhancing their quality of life.
