At Early Alert Canines, we are privileged to witness countless stories of bravery and resilience, and today, we want to share Katie's inspiring journey.
Katie's Journey with Type 1 Diabetes
On December 2, 2020, Katie’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Her body, once functioning normally, turned against her, destroying both her beta cells (which produce insulin) and her alpha cells (which produce glucagon). Despite the immense challenges she faces, Katie has faced her diagnosis with remarkable courage.
Katie’s commitment to advancing Type 1 Diabetes research has been nothing short of extraordinary. She volunteered for the PROTECT Study, helping Teplizumab gain FDA clearance as the first disease-modifying drug aimed at delaying the onset of Type 1 Diabetes. Last fall, she launched the #DiabeticDuck campaign to raise awareness about Type 1 Diabetes and share her experiences living with the condition.
The Need for a Diabetic Alert Dog
While Katie has made significant strides in raising awareness and contributing to research, she faces a critical challenge: hypoglycemia unawareness. This condition prevents her from feeling the symptoms of low blood sugar, which is typically a warning sign for those with Type 1 Diabetes. Without these vital cues, Katie's blood sugar can drop dangerously low, sometimes into the 30s—well below the 70 mg/dL threshold that is considered low for a Type 1 Diabetic. These severe lows can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death.
This past spring, on her way to 6th grade camp, Katie’s blood sugar fell to a critical level, causing her to lose consciousness and seize. After administering rescue medications and waiting for paramedics, the first words Katie said upon regaining consciousness were, "If I had a Diabetic Alert Dog, I bet I wouldn't have gone low." This moment underscored the urgent need for a Diabetic Alert Dog in Katie’s life.
The Benefits of a Diabetic Alert Dog
Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to detect the chemical isoprene released by a diabetic when their blood sugar levels are dropping. With their incredible sense of smell, these dogs can alert their human up to 30 minutes before a critical low occurs. Beyond early detection, Diabetic Alert Dogs can retrieve items such as glucose meters or juice and even alert others if their human loses consciousness or needs help.
In addition to being a life-saving tool, a Diabetic Alert Dog will provide Katie with emotional support. Living with Type 1 Diabetes has been both physically and emotionally draining for her, especially following her critical lows. We believe that having a faithful companion by her side will not only enhance her physical safety but also offer significant emotional comfort.
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