People with diabetes tend to carry a certain diabetic smell. People with diabetes tend to have a sweet-smelling odor, often described as being like that of fruit. In cases of ketoacidosis, which is a serious complication of diabetes, the person may actually taste sweet and produce and unmistakable and pungent fruity odor. This is actually a symptom of ketoacidosis.
According to National Geographic, some dogs can smell odors given off by diabetes. In fact, in some cases dogs have been found to warn their owners of oncoming attacks. According to the 2009 article on NationalGeographic.com, a dog trainer and diabetic named Kimberly Cox was appointed by the Cancer and Bio-Detection Dogs organization to investigate this. So, when Kimberly had a hypoglycemic attack, she captured her body scent in cotton wool and bottled the diabetic smell. Later she simulated a diabetic attack by opening the bottle that contained the diabetic smell and at that moment her dog, Rory, immediately leaped onto her and licked her face, and then fetched her insulin kit. Rory got his well-deserved treat afterwards.
What Does Diabetic Urine Smell Like?
There is also a sweet diabetic smell when it comes to a diabetic’s urine if their diabetes is uncontrolled. Diabetics also tend to be dehydrated, which can also cause a strong urine smell. Urine from a dehydrated person is said to have a strong ammonia smell. Urinary tract infections, which diabetics are also prone to, cause a strong ammonia smell as well. Furthermore, certain medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements can affect can contribute to urine’s diabetic smell.
Diabetic Urine
The best thing to do to minimize the diabetic smell in your urine is to keep your blood sugar levels under control and drink lots of water. The more water that you drink, the less of an odor your urine will have, whether you are diabetic or not. A person who is well hydrated will have urine which is light in color and is diluted so there will be no obvious odor. If you notice any changes to the smell of your urine that you cannot explain you should see a doctor.
Controlling Diabetic Smell
To control your diabetic smell practice basic rules for controlling body odor, such as staying clean and applying antiperspirant. Many diabetics use body powder to keep themselves dry and lessen the sweat and bacteria production on the skin. One must also remember that a diabetic who keeps their blood sugar levels under control is really no different than any other person health-wise. So, if you don’t want to have a diabetic smell than keep you blood sugar levels on target.
