A “doggy doctor” which is able to sniff out diabetes is heading to Scotland.
Aptly named Magic, the medical detection dog will put its sniffing skills to the test at an event in Moray.
The yellow labrador is one of the only 45 in the UK, which has been trained to identify odour changes in those with medical conditions like diabetes.
The dogs are able to sense tiny changes in blood sugar levels by smelling their owner’s breath. They have been taught to then either get help if needed or fetch vital medication.
Magic will demonstrate his ability to do this with a training team at a presentation to healthcare professionals in Forres, organised by life research company AccuNostics, which has a base in the town.
Giles Hamilton, chief executive of AccuNostics said: “We are bringing Magic to Scotland to show people affected by diabetes that these amazing creatures exist and are available to them.
“It is difficult to believe 50 years ago guide dogs for the blind were pretty much unheard of. Now they are common. That’s what we are hoping to emulate with Magic and that is why we are championing the cause.”
The event, which aims to raise awareness of the charity Medical Detection Dogs in Scotland, will be held in the Enterprise Park in Forres on Wednesday.
It costs around £11,000 and takes around 18 months to train the dogs to detect possibly life threatening conditions. More than 258,000 people in Scotland are affected by diabetes, with an estimated 17% undiagnosed.
Dr Claire Guest, founder and chief executive of Medical Detection Dogs, said: “Magic belongs to Claire Moon, from Cambridge, who is a beneficiary of the charity and is living with Type 1 diabetes. Claire’s condition leaves her pretty much unaware of her hypoglycaemic status and she is at risk of a diabetic coma or seizure.
“Her medication coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, as well as routine blood tests are helpful lifestyle choices.
“However with Magic, Claire now has the equivalent of a full-time bodyguard who remains poised at her side, ready and waiting to help her any time she needs it. He brings peace of mind for Claire and her family and is better than any alarm.”
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