Diabetes alert dogs are service dogs trained specifically to assist people with diabetes detect low and high blood sugars. In this episode, we talk about what they are, how to find one, whether you need one or not, and a lot more.
Diabetes alert dogs, like most of the other options diabetics have for their care, are a personal choice. There is no universal “yes” or “no” answer for if you should get one.
Wins & Fails
Jessie’s Win: In preparation for a hiking trip to the Grand Canyon, Jessie went on a 10-mile hike. Her blood sugars stayed pretty stable most of the time, too!
Colleen’s Fail: Multiple compression lows at night because of how I sleep on one side with my sensor pressed straight down into the mattress. It registered as 46 the other night but I knew it was a compression low, so I ignored it.
Tip of the Week
Instead of carrying a big backpack around on walks or hikes, try using a fanny pack. It takes the weight off your shoulders and gives easy access to low snacks and a water bottle.
Diabetes Spotlight
JDRF reacts to insulin cap for people with Medicare
“People on Medicare can soon opt to spend just $35 a month for insulin. The Trump administration recently announced that Medicare recipients will be able to pick that option with a drug plan for next year.”
It’s something you’ll have to opt-in for whenever your “open enrollment” happens.
This is a good step in the right direction. I don’t think insulin will ever be truly free, because it is something valuable and people pay for value. I pay for insulin not just because I need it but because it’s worth spending money on regardless of the price.
Now It's Your Turn...
Do you have any experiences with service animals or diabetes alert dogs? What was the animal trained for?
Mentioned in This Episode
- An American Ninja Warrior Explains the Importance of a Diabetes Alert Dog (Checkup Newsroom)
- What are Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs)? (BeyondType1)
- Diabetes Alert Dogs: Service Dogs for Those with Diabetes (K94Life.org)
- Dollars for DADS
- Organizations & Resources
- All Purpose Canines
- Diabetes Alert Dog Alliance
- Dogs 4 Diabetics
- Early Alert Canines
- Heads Up Hounds
- National Institute for Diabetic Alert Dogs
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Community & Social
- Join us in the Half-Dead Pancreas Club, our private Discord community for people with T1D.
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Credits
Our music is by Joseph McDade. Check out his website here!
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