Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the UK affecting at least 1 in 10 of
all ages.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or the avoidance can be a daily problem for people with diabetes, this complication has very distressing effects and can be life threatening. Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) can cause major health complications such as heart disease, amputations and sight loss.

Because of their acute sense of smell our dogs are trained to detect both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. They can warn their owners and get help even before symptoms of these conditions are felt.

We are now working with Endocrinology Specialists at Bristol NHS Trust and Researchers at Bristol University to try and establish exactly what it is the dogs are detecting.