16. Fruity-smelling breath
If you notice your breath has a fruity smell, it’s a possible pre-cursor to diabetes and indicates that your blood sugar is dangerously high. There are two blood sugar-related causes of fruity-smelling breath.
The first is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). This is a life-threatening condition and needs urgent medical intervention. It is triggered by the body’s production of high levels of ketones. These blood acids normally occur in the body. But high blood sugar levels can trigger an overproduction of ketones. This can be fatal if left untreated. If treated immediately, DKA has no lasting effects on the body.
But with no treatment, it can cause permanent damage to the body. It is a rare occurrence. But if you have high blood sugar and are not being treated for it, DKA may follow. The symptoms of DKA include stomach pain, nausea, fever, vomiting, and fatigue. When DKA progresses to its end stages, the person will go into a coma. About 31% of cases that include symptoms of fruity breath turn out to be DKA.
The second is Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (Hhs). This is a serious condition that will manifest in a person living with Type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by fatigue, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and a fruity odor on the breath. It is not a common condition but is dangerous due to its rapid onset. If a person displays the symptoms of HHS, emergency medical care is necessary to avoid lasting complications or even death.
About 34% of cases that include signs of fruity breath turn out to be Hhs. The remaining cause of a fruity odor on the breath is liver failure. This is the case in about 34% of instances where people report fruity-smelling breath as one of their symptoms.