There are as many body odors as there are human beings on Earth. Whether it is very identifiable, attractive or repulsive, this body odor can vary over the course of a lifetime and smell differently depending on emotional state, age, menstrual cycle, medications taken, but also diet. For example, garlic, onion, curry or dairy products make it smellier and slightly more “acidic”.
Some body odors, such as sweat or breath, can also reveal certain health problems, generally of metabolic origin. This is also the case with diabetes (type 1), more precisely diabetic ketoacidosis (one of the serious complications of diabetes) which can change a person’s breath.You may not notice it until someone else mentions it, but doctors can smell it on you the moment you walk into a room.says Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief physician of the department at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, interviewed on the American site Women’s Health.
Here’s what happens: Your body can’t create the energy it needs to function properly, so it starts breaking down fatty acids for fuel. This creates a buildup of acidic chemicals called “ketones” in your blood. One of the main ketones—acetone—tends to leave a fruity odor on your breath. Basically, your breath smells a bit like apple juice and nail polish remover.No wonder, because nail polish removers contain acetone.“, he specifies.
Fruity breath smells alone are not necessarily a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. This endocrine complication is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, intense thirst, frequent urges to urinate and sometimes weight loss. However, in many cases, patients do not make the connection between all these symptoms, which delays diagnosis and treatment.If you notice a fruity odor on your breath along with any of these symptoms, especially abdominal pain or difficulty breathing, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible.“, he recommends.