Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
This may be something you have never considered if you are living with type 1 diabetes, but did you know it can affect how your body smells? Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) means managing blood sugar levels to maintain your health. If not properly controlled, T1D can lead to a serious condition called diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is what may change body odor. Here, PatientsLikeMe will explain how T1D can lead to DKA, what causes these changes, and how to recognize and manage them.
What Causes Body Odor?
Everybody has a smell about them. Body odor is a natural process that happens when sweat interacts with bacteria on your skin. Sweat itself does not have a smell, which may come as a surprise. The combination of sweat, bacteria, and other factors, however, can create an odor. There are a few common factors that can influence body odor:
- Diet: Certain foods like garlic and onions can cause stronger smells.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes can alter how you smell.
- Medications: Some medications affect body odor.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or liver disease can significantly impact body scent.
For people with type 1 diabetes, body odor changes are foten linked to a buildup of ketones in the blood. This is a hallmark of a condition called DKA.
Diabetes-Related Ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA is a life-threatening complication of diabetes. It happens when the body does not have enough insulin to use sugar for energy. To compensate, the body breaks down fat for fuel, which produces acids called ketones. When ketones build up too quickly, they make the blood more acidic. This then leads to a number of symptoms, including changes in body odor.
When ketones build up in the blood, they are expelled through breath, sweat, and urine. This can lead to noticeable changes in body scent. The most common odors associated with DKA are:
- Fruity Breath: A sweet, fruity smell caused by high ketone levels is a classic sign of DKA.
- Ammonia-Like Smell: This can happen when the kidneys cannot filter out waste.
- Unusual Sweat Odor: Ketones can make sweat take on a stronger, more noticeable smell.
While DKA is primarily associated with type 1 diabetes, it can also happen in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Approximately 27% of DKA cases occur in patients with T2D. In these people, it is often linked to factors like severe infections, missed insulin doses, or certain medications like SGLT2 inhibitors. They also tend to be older and have a higher body mass index than people with T1D that develop DKA.
Recognizing the Signs of DKA
DKA does not just change how you smell. There are a number of more impactful and dangerous symptoms to keep an eye out for.
- Fatigue
- Deep, heavy breathing
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.
Preventing and Managing DKA
Managing type 1 diabetes carefully is the best way to prevent DKA. To start, make sure you monitor your blood sugar levels often. You should do this especially if you are sick or under stress, as these conditions can increase your risk for DKA. Because DKA is caused by a buildup of ketones, checking your ketones is a great way to measure your risk. Taking insulin as prescribed can help mitigate your risk. Staying hydrated can help your body flush out excess ketones. Changes in body odor due to type 1 diabetes, especially a fruity smell, are a red flag for DKA. If you notice these signs, contact your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately.
If you do have body odor you are looking to manage, what can you do? While managing blood sugar is the best way to address body odor changes, you can also focus on hygiene and lifestyle habits. Shower daily and consider using an antibacterial soap to reduce bacteria levels on your skin. Use these soaps after consulting your doctor. Wear breathable fabrics like cotton to keep your sweat under control. Avoiding foods that can trigger body odor can also help.
Click here to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes can have surprising effects on your body, including how you smell. By understanding the connection between DKA and body odor, you can recognize warning signs early and take steps to stay healthy. With careful management and regular check-ins with your healthcare team, you can prevent serious complications and live well with diabetes.
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