Science has long concluded that dogs have the ability to sniff out low blood sugar levels in patients suffering from diabetes. Hence, it's common to see diabetics with service dogs to warn them when they are about to hit it low. The warning from the dogs usually prevent a hypoglycemic attack.
But a new study conducted by experts from the University of Cambridge has finally found the answer as to how dogs can actually sense low blood sugar levels in people. The findings, published in Diabetes Care, determined that people with Type 1 diabetes give off strong levels of a chemical called isoprene. However, the experts said there is little science knows about isoprene, particularly its effect on blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Tests And Diagnosis: What Is Isoprene?
Isoprene is a common chemical found in human breath and for diabetics this is higher in number of their blood sugar level is low. "We suspect it's a by-product of the production of cholesterol, but it isn't clear why levels of the chemical rise when patients get very low blood sugar," said Dr. Mark Evans from the research team in a press release.
#Isoprene in breath of #T1DM pts means Dogs may help detect hypoglycemia in diabetes patients, https://t.co/pDbXiMzlzs via @upi
— Konrad Kangru (@WhitGP) June 28, 2016
The researchers rounded up eight women who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and their blood sugar levels were gradually controlled and lowered. Their breaths were also analyzed. Analysis did show the women as having high levels of isoprene with low blood sugar levels.
In some women, the isoprene chemicals even doubled the normal levels compared to that of a non-hypoglycemic person. This sent off warning signals for the dogs, and those properly trained would actually wake up or jump at its master to alert them of what's going on.
Diabetes Tests And Diagnosis: What This Study Implies
Diabetics commonly suffer from hypoglycemia when their body produces too much insulin or lacks sugar or glucose. Diabetics also suffer hypoglycemia when they don't eat enough after an insulin shot, per CNBC.
The study, which is still in its preliminary stages, hopes to learn more about isoprene chemicals that could aid in the development of new diabetes tests and diagnosis. Potentially, new breath tests could be created from the findings of the research, which could replace regular prick tests that Type 1 diabetes patients are regularly subjected to. Learn more about the study in the video below:
