Type 2 diabetes: Breath which smells like this could be an indicator of the condition
Type 2 diabetes affects insulin in the body. Everybody needs insulin to live and has an essential job to help keep the body healthy. Insulin allows the glucose in the blood to enter the cells and fuel the body. When a person has type 2 diabetes, the body still breaks down carbohydrate from the food and drink and turns it into glucose. The pancreas responds to this by releasing insulin, however, this insulin can’t work properly, and blood sugar levels keep rising and more insulin is released. This all plays havoc on one’s body with various signs that blood sugar levels are too high. Smelling this odour on your breath could be one of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
A fruity-smelling breath is a lesser known symptom of type 2 diabetes, or more specifically, diabetic ketoacidosis.
When the body is unable to use insulin for energy, it breaks down the fat cells for energy.
This process produces an acid known as ketones.
When a person has excess ketones in their bloodstream, it normally leaves the body through urine.
When the body breaks down fat for energy, the effect is a fruity-smelling breath or a breath that smells like acetone, or nail polish.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe complication of diabetes.
The NHS said: “Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious problem that can occur in people with diabetes if their body starts to run out of insulin.
“DKA is caused by a lack of insulin in the body, which causes the body to break down fat for energy.
“Ketones are released into the body as the fat is broken down.
“DKA mainly affects people with type 1 diabetes but can sometimes occur in people with type 2 diabetes.
“Signs of DKA include breath that smells fruity like pear drop sweets or nail varnish.”
Diabetes.co.uk said on their website: “Knowing and understanding the symptoms of high blood sugar should be essential for both diabetics and their friends and families.
“Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, is common amongst diabetics.
“It occurs when a diabetic person eats too much food and has too little insulin to regulate their blood sugar.
“Sometimes stress can cause diabetes.
“Being aware of the following symptoms and staying alert for their presence, whether you are a diabetic or a family member or friend, should be essential. Those symptoms include a need for frequent urination, drowsiness, nausea, extreme hunger or thirst or blurry vision.”
Source: Daily Express
