For many people with diabetes, an unexpected but telltale symptom is the presence of a distinctive bad breath, commonly referred to as “diabetic bad breath.”
What is diabetic breathing?
“Diabetic breath is often described as smelling fruity or like acetone, and this is the body’s way of compensating for excess glucose in the bloodstream. Our body naturally produces insulin to help process the glucose and convert it into energy,” explains Dr Jason Paul Sharma, MD, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharma Hospital, Gardiwala.
But he, A severe deficiency of insulin in the bodyWhen your body is too full, it can no longer use glucose for energy. “At this time, your body starts breaking down fat for fuel, producing ketones as a by-product. These ketones build up in your blood and are exhaled through your breath, giving you a distinctive odor.”
What causes bad breath in diabetes?
“People with diabetes produce less saliva and may experience dry mouth. Less saliva in the mouth can reduce defences against oral diseases that cause bad breath,” says Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan, senior director, Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Endocrinology Centre, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi.
People with diabetes may also have higher blood sugar levels, which can increase the amount of glucose in their saliva, he added. Increases the amount of bacteria in the mouthThis results in a buildup of plaque, which, if not removed, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which contribute to bad breath.
Bad breath can also be a sign of uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes. When ketones are produced in the body too quickly, they can build up to dangerous levels, says Dr. Jhingan. “One of the symptoms of DKA is having high levels of ketones in your breath, like overripe fruit, which causes bad breath.”
Excess glucose increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which leads to plaque buildup. (Source: Freepik)
Diabetic Breath: Indicator of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) or other Diabetes-related Disorders
“Fruit-scented breath, High ketone levels “In people with diabetes, the smell can smell like rotten apple or pear drops, while others describe it as smelling like acetone or nail polish remover,” Dr Jhingan says.
Some people with diabetes are at higher risk for gingivitis, also known as periodontitis, he notes. “This is primarily an issue with type 1 diabetes, but it can also occur in type 2 diabetes if you develop a severe condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.”
Common misconceptions about bad breath in diabetics
Dr Mayanka Loda Seth, chief pathologist at the Redcliffe Institute, said: India Express“There are several misconceptions about bad breath in diabetics and people only believe information on the internet without consulting a doctor. This makes the health risks associated with bad breath in diabetics even more serious.”
The first and most common, he says, is that it takes a long time for bad breath to develop in diabetes: “Unfortunately, that’s not true. Bad breath in diabetes from DKA or other causes such as dry mouth is a sudden complication that can worsen within a matter of hours.”
Another common misconception is that diabetic bad breath only affects people with type 1 diabetes. Dr Seth says: “Currently it is more prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes, but it affects people with type 2 diabetes as well. The cause of diabetic bad breath is high blood sugar. It doesn’t matter if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. “
There’s also a widespread misconception that diabetic bad breath can’t be identified early on, but he points out that there are visible symptoms you can monitor for yourself: “So if you take care of your health and pay attention to the changes in your body, it’s possible to identify, monitor, manage and control diabetic bad breath without facing serious consequences.”
Steps individuals can take to monitor and manage symptoms such as diabetic bad breath
To avoid emergencies and life-threatening situations, Dr. Sharma advises diabetics to remain vigilant at all times. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration“You should follow your doctor’s advice to maintain the proper dosage of insulin. You should also check for any infections and get treated immediately, as any infection in the body can lead to the onset of ketosis,” he concludes.
