Would anyone happen to have any experience with a diabetes alert dog (DAD)? My 10yr old T1D is currently running a CGM (Dex G6) and a tubeless pump (omnipod). We have struggled over the last 6-7 months with adhesive reeking havoc on his skin. We have tried several different methods to remedy this situation to no avail. If we end up giving up the CGM, which alarms when he goes low, this could be very dangerous and even possibly fatal. My son is very active, thus at night, he’s a rock solid sleeper, no alarm is going to wake that young man. We are considering pursuing the option of an alert dog. We would actually like a Vizsla and have even seen online where people actually use one for a DAD. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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I am have type 1 and dexcom makes different adhesives for allergenic skin. My niece really struggled with hers for several months and they called dexcom and went to another adhesive and she has been great luck with it. I have been using the g6 for a little over a year now with great luck. Is his omnipod causing irritation as well? As far a alert dogs, a friends son is currently using one with good results but nothing will approve the way of life for someone with T1 diabetes like getting to know their body and being to put words to how they are feeling. I was diagnosed when I was 9 and have lived with diabetes for 21 years and my parents started asking specific questions about how I felt at certain blood sugar levels right when I was diagnosed. This helped me know what my body was doing BS wise based on how I felt. I understand your fear as a parent in this, it’s hard. I hope you guys find a system that works wonderfully for your son! -
Lone Star Diabetic Alert Dogs on facebook! My wife is a Type 1 and we have been following this facebook page for a while.Comment
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We have reached out to dexcom and have exhausted all of the options they’ve provided ☹️. My son was diagnosed almost two (2) years ago. As he has gotten a little older, he has started to notice leg pains and what not when he is going low. I’m always looking one step ahead knowing that if we can’t get this figured out with his skin, we’ve got to seek an alternative. Also knowing that it could possibly take atleast a year for training of the dog, I figured I would start poking around and gathering information. We are just so worried/concerned that something could possibly happen during the night to him and we would be unaware.Comment
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Have you tried applying a skin barrier to the skin before applying the sensor patch? My 13 year old was diagnosed as T1D about 2.5 months ago and we use skin tak skin barrier which also helps with keeping the sensor on for the full 10 days.Comment
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Oh man. Dexcom on back of arm?Comment
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Watching this, I have an 8 yr old son that is type 1 and have thought about an alert dogComment
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My son is a T1D and cancer survivor. When going thru chemo we discovered he was allergic to the tacaderm tape (no sure about the spelling.)
I will check to see what he uses now.Comment
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Also, I thought some of the new pumps could be linked to other mobile devices. Like sending alerts to a parent's phone.Comment
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Yep, we have tried arms, thighs, back of his calf’s, his back, and of course all over his stomach. We have purchased every type of different barriers, tried nasal sinus spray prior to application, changed bath soaps, and even starting using dreft laundry detergent. We continue to spend a good amount of money his equipment, then we turn around a spend copious amounts of money on different ways to try to attach it to him, and also he has to have a smart phone with a good amount of data. The money isn’t a big deal, I would work 5 jobs if it were necessary. Honestly the writing is on the wall for me, it’s like he has developed an allergy to adhesives.Originally posted by ecallarman View PostComment
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I completely understand. Have you spoken to his doctor(s) about the adhesive allergy? Maybe they have some ideas or even some type of medicine that would help. Honestly, we have become very comfortable/dependent on the dexcom for our peace of mind in knowing what our sons blood sugar is at all times. Our son plays all sports and the middle school coaches, trainer and nurse are all connected to it. He is under pretty heavy surveillance while in sports. It is very convenient to be able to see his number at all times. When we see it trending low, we give him some snacks or drinks to help keep his blood sugar up while playing.Originally posted by Dspivey View PostComment
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Oh yes, his endocrinologist is well aware, we have even spoken with her PA and her partner. Spoke with some dermatologist too. I totally agree with you, it is total piece of mind having a CGM, his Elementry school nurse is a follower of his and has an IPad dedicated specifically for his trend. Both my wife and the nurse bird dog him all day. Poor guy Lol hell be ok he's a tough one!Originally posted by ecallarman View PostComment
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Anyone else?Comment
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My neighbor son has a Lab....best thing ever. He has had the dog for a couple years now.
I'm out at the ranch until Tuesday, but if you give me your info I can pass it along to them.Comment
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