Diabetes is a condition that impacts millions of people around the world. While it can be managed well with insulin, adding a service dog into the mix can also be helpful. That said, this is something you’ll need to talk to your doctor about.
This is due to the fact that not everyone will qualify, and you also have to be able to care for the dog, train them, and house them. The good news is that this article has your back.
Learn everything you need to know about how a service dog for diabetes can help.
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a unique companion animal that’s trained to help someone who struggles with specific mental or physical disabilities. These dogs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
With these protections in place, service dogs can accompany you in public spaces, fly on airlines, and live in housing that’s otherwise non-pet-friendly.
While they require specialized training that can take a lot of time and cost a lot of money, service dogs are equipped to help people with specific tasks. When it comes to a service dog for diabetes, service dogs can assist with blood sugar level monitoring, finding help, and much more.
Does Diabetes Qualify for a Service Dog?
Yes, diabetes qualifies for a service dog. While it may not seem like a physical or mental disability, diabetes can behave like both.
That said, whether or not you’ll qualify for a service dog with diabetes comes down to your individual condition. Make sure you connect with a licensed mental health professional to determine if you will qualify.
What Other Disabilities Qualify for a Service Dog?
Diabetes isn’t the only disability that qualifies for a service dog. You’ll find that there are many disabilities that qualify, so if you have diabetes and another condition, you may still qualify for a service dog, even if you don’t qualify solely for diabetes.
Some other disabilities that qualify for a service dog include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attack disorders
- Blindness
- Deafness
- PTSD
- Some types of depression
These are only some of the disabilities that qualify for a service dog; you can find more listed in this guide.
Three Ways a Service Dog for Diabetes Can Help
There are a few ways that a service dog for diabetes can help. We take you through some of the most common methods below.
1. High and Low Blood Sugar Detection
Service dogs for diabetes can help by detecting low and high blood sugar levels. When properly trained, a service dog can smell the specific scents associated with low and high blood sugar.
This enables the dog to find help, bring insulin, or alert their handler that it’s time to address their blood sugar. The best part is that this detection tends to be early, so before the handler or anyone else would notice.
2. Finding Help
In the event of a major problem, service dogs for diabetes can find help for their handlers. To find help, service dogs can press a button that calls for medical support, but they can also help people get through a crowd in public or find help in public.
Ultimately, if someone is faint and can’t get the help they need themselves, service dogs can help.
3. Reminders
Reminders are some of the simplest ways that a service dog for diabetes can help. While simple, it’s often the most effective method. Your service dog can remind you when it’s time for you to take medication, go to the doctor, or get yourself to safety.
Furthermore, your service dog can also help you get your medication. Whether it’s insulin or something else, your service dog can grab it for you.
Understanding How a Service Dog for Diabetes Can Help
At the end of the day, a service dog for diabetes can help in numerous ways. They can detect subtle changes in blood sugar, retrieve supplies, like insulin, for you, and even find help if there’s an emergency.
That said, you’ll need to talk to your doctor to determine if a service dog for diabetes can help. Then, it comes down to finding one, training one, or buying one.
