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Original poster

DP's breath smells sweet

20 replies

hollyjolls · 21/11/2022 08:35

For a few weeks now I've noticed DP's breath has a distinctive sweet smell. Not a typical bad breath smell and I can still smell it after he has brushed and used mouthwash. I can smell it when I get in his car and in the room when I've been out and come back in. He's been saying he will ring the dentist and book an appointment but hasn't done this yet and he works away Monday - Friday so it's difficult to arrange a suitable time. However I had a google yesterday and the first thing that comes up is diabetes. He doesn't really have any of the other symptoms, he does feel tired a lot but this is nothing new. He is 32 and a healthy weight, doesn't have direct family history of diabetes (mum or dad doesn't have it, he's unsure about the rest). He doesn't think he has diabetes and thinks I'm looking in to it too much but I'm just a bit concerned after googling. He eventually agreed to try and get it looked in to. Does anyone have any experience of this? Would a dentist appointment or doctors appointment be best? Could it just be nothing and go away eventually on it's own?

OP posts:
Plexie · 21/11/2022 08:39

GP appointment. Sweet smell is a well known symptom of diabetes.

lifeinthehills · 21/11/2022 08:41

Does his urine smell sweet as well? Sounds like it would be wise to rule out diabetes and have a chat with a doctor.

Boooooot · 21/11/2022 08:41

Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with weight etc. my father in law wasn’t diagnosed until his late 30’s. Definitely needs to see a doctor!

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Original poster
hollyjolls · 21/11/2022 08:51

I asked about his urine and he said he hadn't noticed any difference in smell or anything. I said I would try and get him an appointment and he agreed (because he's on a course this week and also because I know he probably won't get round to it if left to him as he never visits the GP).

OP posts:
thelobsterquadrille · 21/11/2022 08:54

As others have said - diabetes. He needs to see a doctor.

Cuppasoupmonster · 21/11/2022 08:56

More adults are developing type 1 later in life now (like me!). He needs a blood test, urgently if you can, as t1 can escalate really quickly.

Ameanstreakamilewide · 21/11/2022 08:58

Diabetes, on someone's breath, smells like pear drops, apparently.

weegiemum · 21/11/2022 09:02

Yes, he needs testing for both types of diabetes.

I was diagnosed about a month ago despite having lost several stones since June.

The treatment is pretty easy, though the Metformin has really gone for my bowels!

Daffodilsandtuplips · 21/11/2022 09:10

Thirst, Tiredness, Toilet, Thinner are the four main symptoms of diabetes. Sweet smelling breath, like pear drops, is another.
My granddaughter, aged 7 has just recently been diagnosed with T1 diabetes.
Her urine droplets on the loo seat dried to a sticky, like treacle consistency if we hadn’t noticed them.

2022again · 21/11/2022 10:30

Type 1 DM is an auto-immune condition so there's a built-in genetic pre-disposition that may be triggered at some point, my aunt was in her 40's when diagnosed so pretty late. Interestingly, they are doing research as to whether covid might be a trigger for some people

EmmaGrundyForPM · 21/11/2022 10:34

please persuade your dh to see a GP urgently. It might be nothing, but it could be T1 diabetes. Best to get it ruled out

Daffodilsandtuplips · 21/11/2022 11:17

2022again · 21/11/2022 10:30

Type 1 DM is an auto-immune condition so there's a built-in genetic pre-disposition that may be triggered at some point, my aunt was in her 40's when diagnosed so pretty late. Interestingly, they are doing research as to whether covid might be a trigger for some people

My granddaughter was fine until a few months ago. Her consultant thinks she caught a virus that attacked her immune system which in turn stopped her pancreas from working. Thinking back she did come down with a bad cold in the summer. The doctor said there has been a big increase in cases recently.

Original poster
hollyjolls · 21/11/2022 13:23

I've managed to get him an appointment for Friday afternoon when he's back home so hopefully they'll send him for blood tests to see if diabetes could be the reason for it. I feel so worried for him even though he's really laid back and not concerned himself.

OP posts:
NanFlanders · 21/11/2022 13:26

My husband started to smell distinctly sweet before he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes

balzamico · 21/11/2022 13:37

I think you can get sugar levels tested at a pharmacy? Not sure if its a urine or finger prick test but would be a faster way of ruling diabetes in or out

octoberfarm · 21/11/2022 13:57

Another one who was diagnosed with Type 1 as an adult. He needs to see a doctor to have his blood glucose and ketones tested urgently. If it is diabetes, ketoacidosis can be fatal if not dealt with quickly. I'm really sorry, I'm not trying to worry you, but Friday is too far out - he needs to be seen today.

Calmdown14 · 21/11/2022 14:14

What @octoberfarm said. He needs his blood sugars checking urgently

justasking111 · 21/11/2022 14:18

Isn't it a fasting urine test?

ChocHotolate · 21/11/2022 14:38

Some pharmacies can do finger prick blood glucose tests. Could you ask your local pharmacies?

octoberfarm · 23/11/2022 13:26

Hi OP, just checking in to see how your DP is doing. Did he manage to get his blood sugar/ketones checked in the end?

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