Dogs have long been known for their remarkable ability to recognize changes on humans' glycemic levels.

This amazing fact has been linked to variations on the levels of an enzyme called isoprene, when blood sugar is too high or too low. There is plenty scientific background for that:

http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/diabetes-sniffer-dogs-scent-of-hypos-could-aid-development-of-new-tests

Some dog service centers in the US are already training dogs to alert their owners of those life-threatening conditions. But at a cost of USD 20,000 each dog.

How can we bring this invaluable support to poor Brazilian children with T1D?

Introducing the Diabetes Olfactory Gadget (D.O.G). A breakthrough project that turns shelter dogs into Diabetes Alert Dogs.

A pilot D.O.G. project involving a specialized US trainer (who has T1D herself), a local Veterinary University, dog shelters, and the Brazilian Diabetes Society was started in São Paulo on Q1 2018.

The plan is to expand the idea to Brazil's 7 biggest state capitals by the second half of 2018, through partnerships with local dog shelters, medical societies and patient advocacy groups.

By then, we will start the first clinical study on Diabetes Alert Dogs in Brazil (currently being designed) with eligible participant families and their dogs.

The project's accessibility, social responsibility and emotional components have attracted the attention not only of media outlets, but of families, doctors and advocacy groups.

Since the app offers a comprehensive evaluation of the dogs' and families' performances as they progress, we will be able to monitor their evolution and adjust the modules to reflect the local needs in the future.

As a next step, the client will sponsor the first-ever clinical study on Diabetes Alert Dogs in Brazil, with eligible participant families and their alert dogs, in a scientific partnership with the Brazilian Diabetes Society.

This outcome is perfectly aligned with Sanofi's global commitment to "empowering lives".