Amazingly, dogs have been known to detect everything from cancer to low blood sugar.  They can sense odors down to parts per trillion.  Things we could not even begin to smell are strong scents to dogs.  So it does not surprise many to know that dogs will often lick or fuss near particular parts of an owner’s body, only to find there is cancer in that body part. 

Today, dogs are being trained in Britain to detect low blood sugar in diabetics.  There are some people with diabetes who have reported their dogs will lick their faces or whine when their blood sugar gets dangerously low.  Apparently many dogs can detect when a person is about to have an hypoglycemic episode.  Currently there are 17 dogs in training who will be placed with diabetics – particularly with children who are insulin dependent. 

If you or a family member has diabetes and you own a dog, pay close attention to times when your blood sugar is falling.  Is your dog near you, upset, panting or licking you?  If so, praise your dog once you are stable.  After all, you just never know when your dog may be the one to save your life!