Have you ever wondered if dogs have a sixth sense? 🤔
Well, for people living with diabetes, that might just be true!
Imagine having a furry best friend who can actually smell when your blood sugar is getting too low or too high… it sounds like something out of a movie, right?
But it’s a reality for many thanks to the amazing abilities of diabetic alert dogs.
These incredible canines are providing potentially life-saving assistance, and their stories are truly heartwarming.
Let’s dive into the world of these amazing heroes with four legs!
Living with Type 1 Diabetes: Eliza’s Journey 🚶♀️
Meet Eliza Bartlett, a determined individual who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the young age of nine.
Like many others, this diagnosis brought about significant changes.
But Eliza made a promise to herself: diabetes wouldn’t define her.
She had big dreams, loved sports, and was determined to live life to the fullest.
However, as time went on, the constant demands of managing the condition did take their toll…
The Daily Grind: Hundreds of Extra Decisions 🤯
Think about how many decisions you make in a day… now imagine adding an extra 160 on top of that
That’s the reality for people with diabetes.
As Eliza explains, everything from the food you eat to the weather, exercise, and even stress can impact blood glucose levels.
This constant monitoring and adjustment can be exhausting.
There have even been scary times for Eliza, moments where she hasn’t woken up in the morning and her family has struggled to rouse her.
Thankfully, she’s always been able to swallow, avoiding the need for further intervention.
But as she says, “it’s certainly not easy” and feels like “another hurdle each day that I have to overcome.”
A Furry Ray of Hope: Enter Sal! 🐶✨
But guess what?
That daily hurdle just got a whole lot easier for Eliza to jump over! 🎉
All thanks to the enthusiastic help of her new Labradoodle, Sal!
Sal is a very special pup – the first graduate of a brand-new diabetes alert dog training program.
This fantastic initiative is run by the South Australian charity, Australian Lions Hearing Dogs.
What an amazing organization!
The Science of Scent: How Dogs Detect Blood Sugar Changes 👃🔬
So, how exactly does a dog know when someone’s blood sugar is off?
It’s all down to their incredible sense of smell!
The training program relies on volunteers with type 1 diabetes who donate their saliva samples.
These samples allow the dogs to pick up on the unique scent associated with low or high blood glucose levels.
You see, when blood glucose levels change, the body releases certain chemicals that have a distinct odor.
These clever canines, starting their training at just ten weeks old, spend 14 months honing their ability to detect these subtle changes.
And the best part?
These life-changing dogs are provided to people with type 1 diabetes completely free of charge!
How wonderful is that? 🥰
Sal’s Superpowers in Action: Alerts Before Technology! 🚨
The impact Sal has had on Eliza’s life has been nothing short of amazing.
Eliza shares that Sal alerted her to a low blood sugar level on their very first day together – something she hadn’t even expected!
What’s even more incredible is that Sal has often picked up on changes before Eliza’s technology even registered them, or before she started feeling any symptoms.
Think about that for a moment… a dog knowing something is wrong before a sophisticated medical device!
More Than Just an Alert: A Helping Paw in Many Ways 🐾❤️
But the assistance these dogs provide goes beyond just alerting their owners.
They are also trained to fetch emergency sugar supplies when needed.
Imagine feeling your blood sugar dropping and having your loyal companion bring you exactly what you need! 🍬
These amazing dogs can also be trained to perform other tasks that can greatly assist individuals with type 1 diabetes.
One of the coolest things they can do is activate an emergency button connected to a list of contacts.
This feature alone has the potential to prevent fatalities and reduce the mental distress associated with the condition.
It could even save money in the healthcare system in the long run!
A Best Friend and a Lifesaver: The Gift of Security 🤗
Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHouseofWellness
The program run by Australian Lions Hearing Dogs is truly making a world of difference.
As Eliza beautifully puts it, she doesn’t even have the words to express her gratitude.
She emphasizes that Sal is there for her when she needs her the most, sensing things that no one else around her can.
This has had a profound impact on the mental health aspect of living with type 1 diabetes.
The constant fear and anxiety have lessened, replaced by the comfort and security of having a loyal companion by her side.
“That gives me a friend that that I think can genuinely save my life,” Eliza says with heartfelt emotion.
What an incredible bond! ❤️
So, the next time you see a dog, remember the amazing things they are capable of.
Diabetic alert dogs are true heroes, providing invaluable support and potentially saving lives every single day.
They are a testament to the incredible connection we share with our canine companions.
If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, exploring the possibility of a diabetic alert dog might just be a life-changing decision.
