Managing diabetes can be challenging, as there are many lifestyle changes necessary. You’ve heard of many ways and tools designed to assist diabetics. But how about diabetic alert dogs? Could service dogs be helpful for diabetics? This article aims to answer these questions.
What Is a Diabetes Service Dog?
Having undergone intensive training, a diabetes service dog can detect if the owner’s blood glucose levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Both can be dangerous, so having a dog to alert you can be a major bonus. After the training, diabetes service dogs can detect both instances through their highly-developed sense of smell. Then, they can alert the owner and allow her/him to take appropriate action.
While diabetes service dog owners still need to measure their blood glucose levels, having a diabetes service dog provides a sense of security and comfort.
How Can Diabetics Benefit Getting a Diabetes Service Dog?
If you are wondering if service dogs be can help people with diabetes, you first need to understand for whom they are most suitable. Though not everyone can benefit, the following diabetes patients may enjoy great benefits from owning a diabetes service dog:
- People with hypoglycemic unawareness
- People who self-administer insulin
- People experiencing low blood sugar levels a lot
- Children whose blood glucose levels need testing at night
- Diabetic students living away from home requiring extra assistance
In general terms, diabetes service dogs are more suitable for people suffering from type 1 diabetes.
What Are the Benefits
Though they require the loving care of their owners, diabetes service dogs can provide many benefits:
- Decreased level of worry
- Improved quality of life
- Improved ability to participate in sporting activities
Final Thoughts
The answer to could service dogs be a help for diabetics must be a resounding, yes, though not for all diabetics.
