{"id":684,"date":"2023-11-07T18:32:44","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T18:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/?p=684"},"modified":"2023-11-17T17:27:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:27:53","slug":"diabetic-service-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/diabetic-service-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Diabetic Service Dogs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

If you live with diabetes<\/a>, the consequences of blood sugar fluctuations can be a constant fear.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Most people with diabetes use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track their blood sugar levels in order to prevent the side effects associated with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But there\u2019s an arguably better option to do so – diabetic service dogs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

These dogs are trained to detect blood sugar fluctuations, alert their owners, and even take care of them in case of emergencies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Owning a pet also brings additional benefits for people with diabetes, including improved mental health and quality of life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Are Diabetic Service Dogs?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Diabetic service dogs are trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels for individuals with type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Diabetic Alert Dogs vs Medical Response Dogs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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There are two types of diabetic service dogs – diabetic alert dogs and medical response dogs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Alert dogs are trained to recognize high and low levels of blood sugar and alert you of these changes before symptoms take place. The way in which the diabetic alert dog alarms the owner depends on how it was trained. Some examples include staring, touching the owner with its nose, and holding a particular toy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Medical response dogs can notice blood sugar changes and are trained to respond when dangerous symptoms of low blood sugar arise. This may entail alerting family members, bringing supplies such as food and medication, and dialing emergency numbers using a special device.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How Are Diabetic Service Dogs Trained?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Prior to alert and behavior training, dogs first undergo formal training on basic behaviors and socialization.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Then, they are trained specifically to detect changes in blood sugar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It is believed that when blood sugar levels change, chemical changes in breath and saliva take place. Service dogs are trained to detect these changes in a variety of ways. A common training method is to expose the dog to different samples of the owner\u2019s saliva or breath, including samples of episodes of high and low blood sugar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

They are then rewarded when they show signs that they can detect the specific compounds associated with high blood sugar levels<\/a> and low blood sugar levels, usually through smell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The training process also involves teaching the dog how to alert the owner when their blood sugar reaches dangerous levels. Additionally, they are trained to take care of the owner if symptoms of severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia take place and alert people such as family members if needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are Diabetic Service Dogs Reliable?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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According to a study<\/u><\/a>, diabetic alert dogs displayed a median sensitivity of 70% to hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This level of accuracy can vary depending on the quality of initial and ongoing training, as well as dog characteristics such as willingness to try new behavior.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It\u2019s worth noting that the study above assessed the behavior of alert dogs trained by a specific charity, so results may vary depending on the organization you choose to train your dog.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The best way to ensure reliability is to choose among the training organizations that are legitimate and accredited. We\u2019ll discuss this in more detail later.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For now, let\u2019s go over the benefits of service dogs for people with diabetes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How Can Diabetic Service Dogs Help Their Owners?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Diabetic service dogs can help people with diabetes cope with physical symptoms, provide emotional support, and improve their quality of life. Let’s discuss these benefits in detail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Physical Benefits<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The most significant way diabetic service dogs help their owners is by decreasing the risk of serious complications such as passing out and seizures. And if these consequences do arise, response dogs can ensure you\u2019re taken care of.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Moreover, research shows that dog ownership by itself is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which is sometimes experienced alongside diabetes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Psychosocial Outcomes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When it comes to psychosocial outcomes, a study<\/u><\/a> performed by the American Diabetes Association showed that diabetic service dog owners experienced the following benefits:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n