You may have heard about security dogs that can sniff out dangerous substances at airports, but did you know that some dogs can tell when a person with diabetes has high or low blood glucose (blood sugar)?

Some service dogs for diabetes are trained to help detect blood sugar changes and notify their owners, and others can act on abnormal blood sugar levels by retrieving emergency kits or notifying others. These animals also offer companionship. If you’re intrigued, here’s what you should know about diabetes service dogs before inviting a new “best friend” into your family.

Why Do People Get Service Dogs for Diabetes?

The human body releases chemicals when blood sugars go out of the normal range. These chemicals produce a smell that’s too subtle for humans to detect, but service dogs can be trained to notice and respond to them. According to dog training sites, diabetes service dogs can wake up their owners at night and even retrieve glucose tablets or call 911 in an emergency.

One in 4 people with type 1 diabetes say they have trouble noticing when their blood sugar is getting too low. As a result, they have a six to seven times higher chance of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) episodes. To avoid hypoglycemia, they may decide to let their blood sugars run on the high side. However, this increases the risk of diabetes complications.

Service dogs can also provide emotional support and improve their owners’ quality of life. A service dog helps you feel less alone, more confident, and generally happier.

Steps To Obtain a Diabetic Alert Dog

Getting a diabetes service dog isn’t something to be taken lightly. As with caring for any pet, it’s a commitment. Because of the special training that goes into medical alert dogs, they’re an investment of your time, money, and space.

These dogs may cost from $8,000 to $20,000, which isn’t typically covered by insurance companies. However, if you qualify, some programs and charitable organizations offer financial assistance. Before moving forward, consider the added expenses of pet food, grooming, dog supplies, and veterinary care. Also, even these programs typically charge a fee while you’re being trained to notice the dog’s cues to your diabetes care.

You can start the process by searching for a qualified training program. There are various service dog training centers around the country. Usually, they train the dogs from a young age. If you already have a dog, some programs will consider training a pet that has the potential to meet the requirements.

Be sure that the training they provide is rigorous before you choose the animal that’s right for you. Start by asking which certifications they have and how they train their service animals. Diabetic Alert Dogs for America and Dogs4Diabetics are two organizations that have good reputations and provide training certifications.

Diabetic Alert Dogs of America is a nationwide program that delivers specially trained dogs in all 50 states and Canada. Trainers bring the dog to you and help them acclimate to your home. They can also provide demonstrations for family members or at your workplace. The cost of a trained dog isn’t listed on the website, but they offer financing options.

Once you find an accredited service dog training program, it can take six months to a year before your dog is ready to come home. You’ll have to fill out a detailed application and maybe do an interview to help match you with the best dog. You may also need to participate in the training process by hosting home visits and providing scent samples.

Service Dog Laws and Regulations

If you want a diabetes service dog that’s covered under the laws and regulations of the Americans With Disabilities Act, you’ll need to find an accredited training center. Some trainers teach dogs to help people with diabetes at home, but these dogs don’t necessarily meet the standards and intensive training required to be considered a medical alert dog in public settings.

Service dogs are protected under specific laws for people with disabilities. Service animals are allowed to accompany their owners in places where dogs aren’t usually allowed, such as hospitals, airports, and government buildings. However, you need to maintain good control of your service dog, keep it on a leash, and clean up after it.

Should You Get a Diabetes Service Dog?

Diabetic alert dogs can be a great addition to your family. They may give you a sense of security and nudge you to address high blood sugars. If you struggle with hypoglycemia unawareness, service dogs can prompt lifesaving action that may help keep you out of the hospital. This is especially true for people who have hypoglycemic episodes overnight or live alone.

However, service dogs aren’t for everyone and don’t replace adequate diabetes care. If you don’t want a dog, there are plenty of other ways to improve your blood sugar awareness. For example, you can set reminders to check your sugar or use a continuous glucose monitor.

Even if you have a service dog, you should be able to complete all the steps needed in case of an emergency, such as checking your own blood glucose levels, administering emergency medications, and getting help. Although diabetes service dogs can help alert you to check your blood sugar, they’re not perfect. Service dogs vary in their ability to accurately detect blood sugar changes, depending on how well they’ve been trained and other circumstances. Even the best diabetic alert service dogs can have good days, bad days, and sick days. Checking your glucose with a monitor and seeing your health care provider for regular blood tests is the only way to be sure of your numbers.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories about life with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Would you consider getting a service dog to help detect blood glucose issues? Do you already have a diabetic service dog? Share your experience below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.