Suman Lata Suman Lata Asked 6 months ago

Do people with diabetes have a smell?

My neighbour has diabetes, and I've sometimes noticed a peculiar smell around her, especially on her breath. Do people with diabetes have a distinct smell related to their condition?

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5 answers

Ananya Roy Ananya Roy Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago
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I was actually researching this recently and read that very high blood sugar can cause a fruity or nail-polish-remover-like smell on the breath. It's called ketones, and it happens when the body starts burning fat for energy.

Sanjay Dutt Sanjay Dutt Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I ignored a sweet, fruity smell on my breath and extreme thirst for months thinking it was just a phase. It turned out to be a severe case of undiagnosed diabetes. Please go get a simple fasting blood sugar test done immediately.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Girish Hegde Girish Hegde Joined May 2026 5 months ago

If you are noticing a strange breath smell, don't wait. A basic HbA1c blood test costs only around 300 to 500 rupees in most local labs and will give you a clear picture of your blood sugar level over the last three months.

Rajesh Bhaiya Rajesh Bhaiya Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Don't panic or feel embarrassed about this. A sweet or fruity breath can sometimes happen when sugars are high, but it is easily manageable once you start the right treatment and diet. Just consult a doctor soon.

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Shalini Prasad Shalini Prasad Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Any unusual body or breath odor can be a sign of metabolic changes, just like how thyroid issues affect your sweat patterns. It's best to get a comprehensive blood panel done and follow up with a general physician.

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