Doctor Olga Kashlyak: one of the signs of diabetes is the appearance of a sweet smell from the mouth.
Doctor Kashlyak said in an interview that a change in breath odor allows you to suspect the presence of diabetes.
“The smell of acetone from the mouth can indicate diabetes,” the physician stated.
In addition, Kashlyak noted that with diabetes, the “aroma” from the mouth increasingly becomes fetid. The doctor explained to Gazeta.ru that this is due to the accumulation of glucose in saliva, which feeds on plaque-forming bacteria. Since the glucose content in saliva increases in diabetes, harmful bacteria multiply faster and contribute to more plaque formation.
You can also suspect diabetes by a sweet smell, sometimes reminiscent of fermented fruit.
How to determine the presence of COVID-19 by coffee
“If the level of glucose in the blood is very high, which does not enter the cells due to lack of insulin, diabetic ketoacidosis can develop – an increase in the level of ketones. This condition is characterized by the appearance of a “fruity” smell from the mouth, ”the doctor explained.
Speaking to Gazeta.ru, doctor Kashlyak clarified that with diabetes, cells lose their sensitivity to insulin, the hormone responsible for distributing glucose through them. As a result, glucose is not distributed to cells that use it for energy. Instead of glucose, they begin to consume fat, and during this process, volatile ketone compounds are released, which are then excreted by the body from the lungs. It is because of this that there is a smell from the mouth, reminiscent of acetone or nail polish remover.
“Life-threatening and develops very quickly”: how can parents suspect appendicitis? wrote about how many sweet pancakes you can eat in a day.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes . Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. Seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.
Olga Kashlyak Health pediatrician