What does a diabetic smell like?
James Craig
Published Jan 24, 2026
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).
What does diabetes body odor smell like?
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.
Do diabetics give off an odor?
When your cells are deprived of energy from glucose, they begin to burn fat instead. This fat burning process creates a byproduct called ketones, which is a type of acid produced by the liver. Ketones tend to produce an odor that's similar to acetone. This type of bad breath isn't unique to people with diabetes.
Do you smell sweet when you have diabetes?
A person with uncontrolled diabetes may have blood glucose levels that are dangerously high. The body tries to get rid of the extra glucose in the urine, and this can cause a sweet smell.
What do diabetic ketones smell like?
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.
31 related questions foundWhat does diabetic pee smell like?
What Does Diabetic Urine Smell Like? One warning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. The sweetness comes from sugar in your urine and is a sign your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood.
What does diabetic sweat smell like?
A person living with a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease may also have sweat that smells like ammonia. A person can try antiperspirants to reduce the amount they sweat, and deodorants to cover up any odors. A doctor can treat any underlying health conditions to help reduce the ammonia smell in sweat.
What is a diabetic belly?
Diabetes belly fat is a serious problem that can also signal heart failure. May people are not aware that the little stubborn fat around the waist that does not easily come off is due to the insulin problem. If you have high blood sugar there is a good chance that you have a problem removing the fat around the waist.
What does type 2 diabetes smell like?
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).
Why does it smell when I open my legs?
Sweating in the groin area can attract fungus and bacteria that can lead to a bad smell. Showering after exercise or athletic activity can help reduce the bad-smelling effects of smells related to sweating. Putting on clean, dry clothes after a sweat session can also help.
What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?
The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).
Why do diabetic have big stomachs?
“Over time, insulin resistance may lead to type 2 diabetes and its many chronic complications.” Certain foods, such as sugary drinks, may contribute to belly fat, according to a January 2016 study in Circulation.
Can diabetes give you belly fat?
When it comes to the harmful consequences of excess fat, the way it is distributed across the body is key. Medical News Today have recently reported on studies showing that abdominal fat is deeply tied to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How does a diabetic get rid of belly fat?
While everything from slashing stress to eating fewer processed foods has been shown to help combat belly fat, exercise is one of the best things you can do to reduce weight in this area and live healthier with diabetes, says Pat Salber, MD, an internist and the founder of The Doctor Weighs In, who's based in Larkspur, ...
What does Bromhidrosis smell like?
Bromhidrosis is foul-smelling body odor related to your sweat. Perspiration itself actually has no odor. It's only when sweat encounters bacteria on the skin that a smell can emerge. Other than body odor (BO), bromhidrosis is also known by other clinical terms, including osmidrosis and bromidrosis.
Why do I smell like pennies when I sweat?
But if you notice a metallic or ammonia-like smell on your sweat, it may be due to what you're not eating. When long-distance runners and other athletes notice a metallic odor during or after a workout, it may be because their bodies are burning protein rather than glucose for fuel.
What color is diabetic pee?
Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that causes your body to make a lot of urine that is "insipid," or colorless and odorless.
What Colour is urine in diabetes?
Diabetes can cause cloudy urine when too much sugar builds up in your urine. Your urine may also smell sweet or fruity. Diabetes can also lead to kidney complications or increase risk of infections of the urinary tract, both of which can also make your urine appear cloudy.
What are the signs of diabetes in a woman?
Both men and women may experience the following symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes:
- increased thirst and hunger.
- frequent urination.
- weight loss or gain with no obvious cause.
- fatigue.
- blurred vision.
- wounds that heal slowly.
- nausea.
- skin infections.
How much water should a diabetic drink?
If you're living with diabetes, you should drink plenty of fluids — about 1.6 liters (L) or 6.5 cups per day for women; and 2 L or 8.5 glasses per day for men.
What happens untreated diabetes?
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to devastating complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. And the risk of death for adults with diabetes is 50 percent higher than for adults without diabetes.
Does a big belly mean diabetes?
Men who measure more than 102cm (40 inches) around the middle – and not below the belly – are five times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than men with a smaller waist, while women who measure more than 88cm (35 inches) are three times more likely to be diagnosed than others, according to advice from ...
Do diabetics have itchy skin?
People with diabetes tend to experience itchy skin more often than those without the condition. Persistent itching can be uncomfortable and might lead to excessive scratching, which can cause infection, discomfort, and pain.
Do you put on weight with diabetes?
Weight gain is a common symptom of diabetes and other insulin-related medical conditions. Compared with people who do not have diabetes, young adults with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing excess body weight or obesity.
What is the fastest way for a diabetic to lose weight?
The four best weight-loss diets if you have diabetes
- DASH diet. ...
- Mediterranean diet. ...
- Plant-based diets. ...
- Heart-healthy, lower fat diet. ...
- Low or no-carb diets. ...
- Intermittent fasting, extreme calorie reduction or skipping meals. ...
- Cleanses or over-the-counter diet pills not approved by the FDA. ...
- Give meal replacement products a try.