

Diabetic alert dogs (DADs) serve an essential function for individuals managing diabetes by providing timely alerts to dangerous shifts in blood sugar levels. These remarkable service dogs are trained to use their acute sense of smell to detect subtle chemical changes in their handler's body that occur even before symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia occur. When they sense an imbalance, DADs respond with specific behaviors such as pawing or nudging, effectively warning their owners and allowing them to take action before a crisis develops. Since many individuals may not recognize the onset of dangerous blood sugar fluctuations, these dogs play a vital role in preventing severe health risks, including coma or even death, which can happen between routine checks. The proactive support DADs offer can be life-saving, making them invaluable companions for those living with diabetes.