14 year old smells of acetone

[DakotaFanny]

Just that really....he says he feels absolutely fine but the following things are really bothering me.

He smells like I smelt when I did Atkins! He eats plenty of carbs.

He is suddenly heavy eyed- his lids are more closed than usual. But maybe he is just tired! He’s been up a bit in the night going to the loo etc.

He’s drinking loads (but seems to be doing this because he’s been told we should drink 8 glasses a day etc.

He’s weeing a lot (see sleeping but also, increased liquids so of course he Is!)

It’s all so easily explained, except for the smell, and as I said he says he feels absolutely fine.

Would anyone be worried??? (He is never ill!)

Thank you oh wise mumsnetters.

Could it be diabetes?

Yes, he'd be going to the doctor.

Definitely see a doctor. Diabetes check needed.

am not medicaly trained at all but i would ask the docs to do a full bloods and check for diabetes. One of the signs of diabetes is drinking alot being thirsty.

See a dr tomorrow

It’s a possible sign of diabetes. My DH was diagnosed with type 2 and this was one of his signs. Along with the extra drinking I’d get him tested.

Possibly diabetes. Doctor tomorrow or walk in centre.

Yep, my 1st thought would be diabetes. GP pronto.

Yes definitely see Dr but the diabetes smell is usually sweet not acetone.

So it's only the drinking more and urinating more that are diabetes markers. Especially if he says he's feeling fine - a very common marker is extreme tiredness, literally needing a nap every afternoon.

I think possibly diabetes too, especially with frequent urination at night. Also been said to smell like pear drops.

its a classic age for dev type 1 diabetes and acetone would indicate ketosis - def get that checked out asap

Diabetes.

I have 2 cousins who both had these symptoms before being diagnosed with T1 diabetes in childhood. Doctors, tomorrow.

As everyone else says... diabetes

My child is a type 1 diabetic and a sweet (pear drops like) smell was one of the first signs we had that this had happened. This could be serious so please get him seen asap.

Bless him, I hope it’s not diabetes but these symptoms certainly point to it. Best wishes to you both, let us know how you get on.

Just to echo what everyone else has said, that does sound like diabetes to me as well. Urgent appointment first thing tomorrow OP, if you have a walk-in centre I would take him there to get tested if the GP can't see him first thing. Good luck.

Dear OP,
If you have access to an out of hours GP/walk in centre I would be inclined to take him tonight. The symptoms are suggestive of possible diabetes and this can be very dangerous. If no possibility of being seen tonight then make him an emergency appointment for tomorrow. I am a HCP and this would worry me.

Could you try nhs helpline op? They might arrange for him to go to hospital. This really shouldn't wait.

This is where my head went but my dh thinks I’m being mad. It’s tricky because everything apart from the smell could be easily explained away.

He’s doing a massive walk this weekend, which bothers me if he could be ill, but he has to do it (Duke of Edinburgh final expedition). Does anyone know what the doctor would do during an appointment? Would it be an instant result?

Thanks everyone.

I hope it isn't, but these are classic symptoms of Type one diabetes. The acetone smell is ketones which if left untreated for long is dangerous. As the parent of a Type one I would advise you go to A&E tonight and tell them you think it may be that. Insist they do finger prick blood glucose and ketone tests. Don't be fobbed off with fasting blood tests. In the early stages the pancreas recovers somewhat overnight so a fasting test won't necessarily give you an accurate picture.

I would echo everyone else and get this checked out urgently.

Diabetes

Honestly OP I would be much more worried about the possibility of diabetes than the expedition. If it is diabetes and he goes on the expedition it could be incredibly dangerous. He MUST be seen by a Dr before he goes.

Do not let him do the DoE without seeing a GP first!