Diabetes symptoms include an 'unusual' smell in your breath - the scent to look out for

From mirror.co.uk 

Diabetes symptoms can be difficult to spot, as none of the main signs make you feel particularly unwell - but there could be a key change to the smell of your breath to watch out for.

Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 percent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes.

You could be at risk of high blood sugar if you develop an unusual smell in your mouth, it's been claimed.

A fruity-smelling breath could be a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis - which might be the first indication of diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis describes a reaction inside the body where a lack of insulin causes harmful ketones to build up in the blood, and it's an "unusual" sign of diabetes, according to WeightWatchers.

Some patients have likened the smell of their breath to 'pear drops' or a general sweetness. But diabetes could also lead to foul-smelling breath, it's been claimed, as the condition may lead to higher glucose levels in the mouth.

Bacteria use this sugar as a food, which subsequently leads to infection and gum disease.

Gum disease is one of the most common causes of halitosis, which has been likened to a very unpleasant smell.

"Breath that smells or tastes fruity-like, on the other hand, could signal a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis," said WeightWatchers.

"Diabetic ketoacidosis might even be the first indication that you have type 1 diabetes.

"Without enough insulin, your body can’t get the energy it needs from glucose, so it switches to using fat. This generates chemicals known as ketones—and when you wind up with too many ketones in your blood, it can be detrimental to your health.

"While fruity-smelling breath is a hallmark of DKA, it’s not the only symptom. You may also have trouble breathing, your skin may be flushed, or you may have been throwing up often."

The most common diabetes symptoms include having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal, having an unquenchable thirst, and passing more urine than normal.

You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the warning signs or symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.

Diagnosing the condition early is very important, because patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/diabetes-symptoms-include-unusual-smell-30370891