Dogs, Humans & Diabetes

During the years 2021-2023 we celebrate the discovery of insulin, the first therapeutic use of insulin and the Nobel prize awarded for these landmarks. This interdisciplinary symposium acknowledges the historical and contemporary significance of diabetes by focusing in on the central role that the dog plays for the scientific understanding of diabetes as well as for the handling of the disease.

Speakers:

Hélène Mialet, philosopher and anthropologist in Science and Technology Studies at York University Toronto, explores interactions between human, animal and instrument linked to knowledge about diabetes.

Oliver Falk, historian at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, studies the role of the dog in the medical history of diabetes treatment and as symbol for the diabetes patient’s moral responsibility for his or her health.

Jeanette Hanson, lecturer at SLU and clinic veterinarian at the University Animal Hospital Uppsala, will share her expertise on the treatment of dogs with diabetes and talk about interactions between human and dog. 

Yrsa Franzén Görnerup, trainer of assistance dogs at Svenska Service- och Signalhundsförbundet, presents the methods of training.

Jenny Wiksten, diabetes patient, appears with her assistance dog Texas. Together they will demonstrate how the assistance works and Wiksten will share her experiences of managing life with diabetes with Texas by her side.

Find more information and registration here.