E-newsletter for Patients - April 2008

News & Research

Dogs help to alert people with diabetes to episodes of hypoglycemia

It’s not known how dogs can sense the onset of hypoglycemia – or low blood sugar levels – in those with Type 1 diabetes, but as they do, they receive positive reinforcement from their owners. Scientists believe that dogs can smell chemical changes in the body, which happen before symptoms appear. A study is currently underway at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland to evaluate the effectiveness of dogs sensing hypoglycemia. This would improve the safety and quality of life for those who cannot sense an onset of low blood sugar. Trainers say that the dogs are 90 percent effective. Training can take as long as two years, and cost upwards of $20,000. That fee is often covered partially by assistance dogs’ organizations.

More information can be found in the March 2008 edition of Diabetes Forecast magazine.