Pups Sniff Out High/Low Blood Sugar in those with Type 1 Diabetes

My friend and colleauge, Jennifer Neily, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, takes over the Robinsbite Blog today with an amazing story about animals saving humans. Take a peek.

 Faith’s mother can rest easily at night.  Abi can safely live alone and drive without fear—fear of having a low or high blood sugar and suffering the consequence of having type 1 diabetes. 

Faith Wilson is not even two years old and Abi Thornton is a successful college sophomore but they share a common bond.  Their lifelines are British Labradors—Ruby and Mr. Darcy—very special dogs who were the stars of the inaugural K9s for Kids Benefit last fall at Fashion Industry Gallery F.I.G.) in Dallas.  Ruby and Mr. Darcy are Diabetes Alert Dogs (“DADs”) specifically trained to detect high and low blood sugar in those with type 1 diabetes.  Truly amazing.  

Organized by the Diabetes Friendly Foundation proceeds of the K9s for Kids Benefit will provide sponsorship funds to purchase and train DADs for the Foundation families.   The support and help these dogs provide is priceless.

The Diabetes Friendly Foundation (DFF) is dedicated to prevent the spread of diabetes and help promote a healthier, happier lifestyle for those living with diabetes.  When products display the DFF logo, consumers will be aware the product meets nutritionally specific requirements for people with diabetes or just health conscious consumers looking to make good choices.

The first product line on the market displaying the logo is Meals to Live, LLC .  The line of eight frozen meals is now available at Brookshire’s in Texas and Ralph’s and Walgreen’s on the west coast.  Plans are to be available online by year end.  Meals to Live frozen entrees have great-tasting unique, savory sauces and flavors that appeal to all appetites.  A sampling of the frozen meals include: Chicken Fajita with Santa Fe Rice, Roasted Turkey with Balsamic Sauce and Butternut Squash, Shrimp Jambalaya and Chicken Chili Relleno with Ranchero Sauce.  Half of the products are gluten free.