7 Healthcast: Dog diabetes

Liam Kelly, 14, has diabetes, and this is Max, a service dog that uses his nose as a built in glucose monitor.

Liam was diagnosed with type one diabetes, and is insulin dependent - requiring round the clock glucose monitoring.

Max jumps and paws at Liam's chest telling him to test his blood and can determine if his sugar is either getting too low or too high.

And its all done by the scent of Liam's breath.

Ron Pace, dog trainer
"Dropping down to a low, to a dog it smells like a metal bucket. A real acetone type smell. The highs are real sugary real different."

Ron pace has trained police dogs for 30 years, and he trained this diabetic service dog a similar way.

Ron Pace, dog trainer
"Teaching a dog to use it's nose, it just depends what you want it to find."

Liam tests his blood...and finds out max was right.

Lisa Kelly, Liam's mom
"It's let me be mom instead of diabetes sheriff, I can sit back and not nag what's your number what did you do what are you eating?"

During the exercise, Max picks up on another diabetic sitting on the couch.

Ken Running, who also suffers from type one diabetes. Glucose monitors have failed him -- and he's looking for help.

Ken Running, diabetic
"In the last four months I've been in a coma three times and the hospital once."

Liam Kelley, has diabetes
"After you get done with it the bond between you and your dog is stronger than any bond you've probably ever had with an animal."

The program was designed with the dog assistance academy to provide free assistance to people with disabilities.

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