Fruity-smelling breath is a sign of high levels of ketones in someone who already has diabetes. It's also one of the first symptoms that doctors look for when they check for DKA.
Some people with diabetes compare the smell of insulin to the scent of Band-Aids, printer ink, Lysol, or new plastic shower curtain liners (4). Apparently, phenols are responsible for the aroma associated with insulin (5).
If you have diabetes, a change in body odor could be a sign of diabetes-related ketoacidosis. High ketone levels cause your blood to become acidic and your body odor to be fruity. In the case of liver or kidney disease, your odor may give off a bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup in your body.
BODY ODOR: FRUITY BREATH IS A SYMPTOM OF DIABETES
Here's what's happening: Your body can't create the energy it needs to function properly, so it begins to break down fatty acids for fuel. This creates a build up of acidic chemicals called ketones in your blood.
a smell of ketones on your breath, which can smell like pear drops or nail varnish remover. confusion. drowsiness or loss of consciousness (coma)
You have many symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.
Compared to non-diabetics, diabetics under insulin treatment showed a higher prevalence of phantom odors [OR(95% CI): 2.42 (1.16; 5.06)] and a non-significant higher prevalence of severe hyposmia/anosmia [OR(95% CI): 1.57 (0.89; 2.78)].
The process of breaking down fat for energy releases byproducts called ketones. Acetone is a type of ketone, and it is the same fruity-smelling substance found in some nail polish removers. If the breath of a person with diabetes smells of acetone, this suggests that there are high levels of ketones in their blood.
On the other hand, poorly managed diabetes can worsen your blood sugar levels and it can even rise to dangerous, deadly levels. One such sign of high blood sugar is peculiar body odours, especially in your breath. It is crucial to be aware of these signs and seek immediate medical treatment.
A dry mouth allows bacteria to thrive. Bacteria that live in the mouth can make compounds that have sulfur. These compounds are especially stinky. They can smell like rotten eggs or onion, for example.
If you have diabetes insipidus, you'll continue to pee large amounts of watery (dilute), light-colored urine when normally you'd only pee a small amount of concentrated, dark yellow urine.
People who have diabetes often have poor sleep habits, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Some people with diabetes get too much sleep, while others have problems getting enough sleep.
If your breath smells like acetone -- the same fruity scent as nail polish remover -- it may be a sign of high levels of ketones (acids your liver makes) in your blood. It's a problem mainly of type 1 diabetes but also can happen with type 2 if you get a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
The NIH (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/phenol#section=Top) tells us exactly what to expect when we drop a vial on the oor: “a sweet tarry odor that resembles a hospital smell.” And there's a reason it's familiar.
Skin conditions
Internal health issues may result in unpleasant body odors (BO), as well, such as liver and kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, which can lead to excessive sweat and increased BO. Stagg recommends talking with your doctor if you notice a strong smell from your skin.
When should I see my healthcare provider? If you have phantom smells that last more than three weeks, you should call a healthcare provider. In most cases, phantosmia should go away once you've recovered from the underlying illness.
Summary. Impairment of vision, hearing, smell, taste, and bodily sensation are common in people with diabetes, adding to the effects of aging. There is clear evidence for the potential preventability of diabetic complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy. Blindness is perhaps the most feared sensory loss.
If hyperglycemia occurs for too long, then the body will create ketones. These are secreted through the breath and smell like alcohol. These symptoms are a sign of a diabetic emergency.
How long does it take for diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) to develop? Diabetes-related ketoacidosis is considered an acute complication, meaning it has a severe and sudden onset. DKA can develop within 24 hours. If you're vomiting, it could develop much more quickly.
Know the warning signs of DKA and check urine for ketones, especially when you're sick. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is life-threatening—learn the warning signs to be prepared for any situation. DKA is no joke, it's a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death.
Headaches from low blood sugar may feel dull or throbbing. Headaches from high blood sugar are typically also dull and throbbing, but one type may feel more severe, like stabbing, piercing, or shock-like pain.