This study investigated the use of trained dogs, who alert owners to dangerous changes in blood glucose levels, for the prevention of hypoglycemia and anxiety among diabetic patients.

Dangerously low blood glucose levels, or hypoglycemia, are common events among insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Severe hypoglycemia may lead to loss of consciousness and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, many diabetic patients live in constant anxiety from fear of hypoglycemic events. The prevention of hypoglycemic events relies on frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels, which in-itself increases discomfort and anxiety.

In order to assess the feasibility and effect of using trained dogs to prevent hypoglycemic events and relieve patient anxiety, 17 type 1 diabetic patients and their dogs were investigated in this unique study. The diabetes alert dogs were trained by the Medical Detection Dogs organization. The dogs were trained to detect any dangerous change in blood glucose levels, and to alert their owners immediately. Patients were asked to record their blood glucose levels routinely 6 times a day, and in any case of a dog alert. In addition, HgbA1c levels (a measurement of average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months) were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the study. Finally, patients were asked to answer questioners regarding their general health, specific diabetes history and quality of life, before receiving their trained alert dog and at the end of their experience.

Results showed that all 17 patients reported a decrease in the frequency of hypoglycemic events and the number of calls made to emergency services. Blood glucose levels taken during dog alerts reviled unbalanced glucose levels in the majority of cases, although with varying accuracy. In addition, according to routine daily glucose monitoring, patients showed improved glycemic control following time accompanied by their alert dog. However, no significant reduction in HgbA1c levels was noted. All 17 patients reported significant improvements in their quality of life. Most patients reported feeling more independent and safe during activities of daily living when accompanied by their alert dog.

Researchers concluded that the use of diabetes alert dogs is a feasible option for the prevention of anxiety and hypoglycemic events among diabetic patients.

This study was designed as an early feasibility study. Only a few patients were included, results were self-reported by the patients and not objectively monitored, and various factors which could have influenced results were not controlled. Despite these limitations, researchers successfully demonstrated the merit and potential benefit of using trained alert dogs in the management of diabetes.