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Dogs can smell low blood sugar in people with diabetes

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered one more reason why dogs are great: their superior sense of smell is inspiring advancements in the medical field. In a study published today in Diabetes Care, the researchers determined that during a hypoglycemic attack in people with Type I diabetes, the amount of the naturally occurring chemical isoprene in a person's breath increases. And dogs can smell this chemical.

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Resources

Hypo Resolve Project

As much about hypoglycaemia remains unknown, the recently started European research project Hypo-RESOLVE (Hypoglycaemia – Redefining SOLutions for better liVEs) aims to provide researchers and clinicians with more validated data about the condition

Diabetes.org

The people you are in frequent contact with (for example, family members, significant others, and coworkers) should also be instructed on how to administer glucagon to treat severe hypoglycemic events

Endocrine Society

Hypoglycemia, a dangerous drop in blood glucose levels related to insulin and sulfonylurea (SU) use, has been identified as one of the top three preventable adverse drug events by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

Helping to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public.