Sour body odor diabetes Body malodours and their topical treatment agents. Sour sweat smell can be caused by several factors, the most common are the following: 1. Sep 17, 2022 · One such sign of high blood sugar is peculiar body odours, especially in your breath. It occurs when there is insufficient sugar in the body to be used as a source of fuel and fat is used instead. Hormones play a key role in how sweat smells, and imbalances can lead to unusual odors like sour milk. While there is currently no known cure for bromhidrosis (excessive body odor). In rare cases, genetic conditions like trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome) can cause a distinctive unpleasant smell. See full list on scarysymptoms. Almost all cases detected were type 2 diabetes, in which the body becomes resistant to or doesn’t produce enough insulin. 2013; doi: 10. The treatment for smelling a sweet odor depends on the underlying cause. com If you have diabetes, a change in body odor could be a sign of diabetes-related ketoacidosis. How can diabetes produce body odours? Mar 18, 2025 · Sour body odor can be caused by several factors, including diet, hormonal changes, skin infections, and certain medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Showering daily helps keep bacteria levels low on the skin’s surface while washing away the sweat that contributes to odors. Symptoms include: weakness; frequent thirst; frequent urination; fatigue; loss Apr 1, 2024 · Body odor occurs when our sweat mixes with the bacteria on our skin. Share 0. Dec 23, 2024 · Bromhidrosis is a foul-smelling body odor caused by a combination of bacteria on your skin. Sweating is normal. Other factors that link diabetes to smell disorders are increased dental problems experienced by patients with diabetes. By being aware of these scents, you can take proactive steps in Apr 12, 2025 · The sweet smell of a serious problem. Sweat is released by sweat Perspiration glands release sweat through the skin. Diabetes. ) Her breath started smelling fruity. Understanding what these smells mean can help you address potential health issues early. May 31, 2024 · Your body odor can act as a signal, indicating changes or imbalances within your body. Still, if your perspiration produces a perfume-like plume or a saccharine scent, you might be confused. Shares. Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most well-known health conditions linked to changes in body odor. Hormones Understanding why your body smells sour is important so you can take the necessary steps to As a sugary dessert was being served, the junior fellow declared, “Ah, the smell of diabetes!” To which I quietly replied, “That’s not the smell of diabetes. Causes of body odour. Spices and seasonings 7. Acid reflux or digestive issues might cause sour-smelling breath. Dec 28, 2024 · If your diabetes is poorly managed, you might notice other changes in body odor, including a scent resembling ammonia, particularly if your kidney function is affected. Hyperhidrosis : This condition involves excessive sweating and can lead to a stronger body odor due to the constant moisture on the skin. This is due to the presence of ketones, which are byproducts of fat breakdown. A fruity smell could indicate diabetes due to Oct 24, 2024 · Another name for body odor is Bromhidrosis. The Connection Between Diabetes and Body Odor. Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or liver disease can significantly impact body scent. The liver then uses fat as fuel, converting it into acids Jan 12, 2017 · Brief Answer: About sour milk odor; Detailed Answer: Hello, I can understand your concern regarding to your husband's symptoms. Body odor is normal, but it can be a nuisance for many of us. Another symptom to keep an eye — or a nose — out for is sweet-smelling or fruity body odor. Miller JL. Jan 18, 2024 · Zinc helps your body manage waste and toxins, says Dr. Stress 8. This causes the body to rely on alternative energy sources in the tissue, muscles and Dec 4, 2024 · Medications: Some medications affect body odor. Dec 28, 2023 · Sometimes it smells like nothing. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result in a sweet, fruity smell. A dip in estrogen can trigger night sweats and hot flashes, causing increased sweat and body odor. Understanding these conditions is crucial for identifying whether medical attention is necessary. So, what's going on? "Urine will have a characteristic odor that may be different in each person," Piyush Agarwal, MD Apr 27, 2023 · How to Effectively Treat Body Odor. Aug 18, 2023 · Fruity-Smelling Body Odor and Diabetes. However, having a strong body odor related to sweat, known as Mar 23, 2020 · Body odor may be a sign of diabetes in some people. Thyroid Issues: Thyroid imbalances can affect sweat production and body odor. Aug 27, 2023 · Your body puts out way less saliva, or spit, when you’re asleep. It is crucial to be aware of these signs and seek immediate medical treatment. Feb 15, 2024 · They can explain the thyroid/kidney and body odor connection, explain sweat characteristics in diabetes, and generally educate you about the possible causes of body odor changes. A sour or foul smell may point to altered glucose metabolism Apr 29, 2021 · Sweat can smell like vinegar because of diseases such as diabetes, trichomycosis, and kidney disease, or because of hormone changes, certain foods, or skin infections. Individuals with Nov 8, 2024 · Often pungent and influenced by diet, sweat type, and hormones, body odor can reveal much more—discover its secrets now! 3 minute read; Total. Kanlayavattanakul M, et al. This article explores the various body odors and what they might be trying to tell you about your health. Does diabetes make you smell bad? Yes, diabetes can cause changes in body odor, including fruity or sweet-smelling breath and, in some cases, an acetone-like odor due to ketones. Left untreated, it can affect self-esteem and mental health. Here are some medical conditions that can cause stench to reek from your body: Mar 27, 2025 · Sweating, or perspiration, is one of the body’s cooling mechanisms released through sweat glands in the skin. 0. In the case of liver or kidney disease, your odor may give off a bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup in your body. Body Odor and Hygiene. Aug 11, 2024 · Sour body odor can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment, but it’s often manageable with a few lifestyle changes. Individuals with diabetes might experience a condition known as diabetic Jul 27, 2017 · Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes 3. For people with type 1 diabetes, body odor changes are foten linked to a buildup of ketones in the blood. What Causes Body Odor? Unfortunately, many factors play a role in B. Hygiene Practices: Regular bathing helps control bacteria and odor. Hormonal Imbalances and Their Impact on Body Odor. A May 4, 2025 · While diet alone won’t eliminate body odor, adding these foods could help manage it. 2011;33:298. Here are some effective strategies: Regular Showering. Feb 4, 2025 · To manage diabetes-related body odor, maintain good hygiene, stay hydrated, and wear breathable fabrics. Recognizing these smells can be crucial for managing your diabetes effectively and avoiding severe complications. The stinking smell can be a warning to get your blood sugar checked, or if you already have diabetes, it signals you to reconsider your methods for managing the condition. Sweat does not have an odor by itself, but it does cause an odor when bacteria on your skin interact with sweat. This scent is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication in people with very high blood glucose levels from diabetes. Jan 14, 2025 · body odor, body signals, body smell, disease indicators, health symptoms, health warnings, Medical conditions, medical diagnosis, personal health, preventive care More in Health IQ 5 key reasons Jul 5, 2023 · When your blood sugar is consistently high, it can alter your body chemistry and cause changes in your body odor. You can prevent body odour by wearing clean clothes, taking bath regularly, reducing the stress level, applying green tea under the arm, cleaning the armpits, applying lemon juice under the armpits etc. Saliva helps get rid of bacteria that cause odors, so your breath might also smell bad when you’re hungry or dehydrated. Apr 6, 2022 · Livestrong. Diabetes has a scent. Managing sour body odor involves a combination of good hygiene practices and lifestyle modifications. And, perhaps, kind of delighted. 2013. Feb 26, 2024 · When the body lacks enough insulin to allow blood sugar to enter your cells and be used as energy, a complication of diabetes arises. The "That meant that for every 1,000 people studied in each group, roughly 13 more individuals in the COVID-19 group were diagnosed with diabetes. It happens when there is too much glucose in the blood. 002. Aug 30, 2021 · Smell something foul when sleeping? Body odor at night rarely tops the list of serious health woes, but it can be embarrassing and disconcerting. Diet Matters: Foods like garlic and onions can intensify body odor. One of the lesser-known aspects of diabetes is its potential impact on body odor. It can be foul, pungent, fishy, sour, bitter, or even sweet Feb 3, 2017 · BODY ODOR: FRUITY BREATH IS A SYMPTOM OF DIABETES. Hyperhidrosis 2. Body odor occurs when sweat incomes into touch with bacteria on your skin. 03. Many may wonder, “Does Diabetes Cause a Distinctive Odor?” The answer lies in how the body processes sugars and fats. The buildup of ketones in your body can result in a distinctive fruity or acetone-like odor. Feb 10, 2023 · Body odor is usually determined by the environment, the foods you eat, or hormones. For example: Untreated diabetes can lead to nerve, vision, or kidney damage. Sweet-smelling sweat is better than bad BOright? Well, probably not. Diabetes is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin. May 3, 2025 · Fredrich E, et al. No matter the location, the odor can vary. Ketones–byproducts of the breakdown of fat–begin to build-up in the body with negative effects. Things that can make body odour worse include: exercise; hot weather; hormonal changes; being overweight; having a condition like diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease; certain types of medicine, such as antidepressants; Often the cause of body odour is unknown, but it may be linked to excessive sweating and smelly feet. As a result, blood glucose concentrations increase, leading to a cascade Aug 4, 2017 · While some body odor is normal, a particularly strong smell could be a sign of skin disease, doctor and author Jennifer Stagg tells Bustle. A fruity-smelling body odor might be a sign of diabetes. The thing is, your sweat shouldn't smell Aug 14, 2024 · Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to the buildup of ketones in the body, which can cause a fruity or sour smell, especially noticeable in breath and sweat. Sep 18, 2019 · You may have diabetes, or kidney or liver disease; Patients suffering from diabetes, kidney diseases and liver diseases may have worse body odour. Daily battle against body odor: Towards the activity of the axillary microbiota. Not just any scent, but a distinctly sweet, fruity aroma that has been recognized by medical professionals for centuries. Credit a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs when your body runs low on insulin and your blood sugar spikes Many women notice a change in their body odor during menopause. The body often warns us with these signals before other, more obvious symptoms like pain or fatigue appear. Even though it does not pose any serious threat to life, its existence is difficult to deal with. Regular exercise can also help reduce odor by improving overall health and blood circulation. By now, the senior fellows and the endocrinologist were Dec 10, 2024 · Changes in body odor can be one of the first signs of health issues. By understanding the underlying causes—whether they’re related to diet, hygiene, stress, or medical conditions—you can take targeted steps to reduce or eliminate the odor. Genetic Factors: Genetics can influence how strong one’s body odor is. Learn more about the causes of body odor and how to prevent and treat it here. Nov 28, 2024 · Common oral signs of diabetes include persistent dry mouth, swollen or bleeding gums, slow-healing sores, white patches (oral thrush), and chronic bad breath. If the sour smell is accompanied by other symptoms, encourage your boyfriend to see a doctor. Trends in Microbiology. In type 2 diabetes, your cells have trouble using insulin properly. In some cases, an unusual odor emanating from sweat could signal an underlying health condition. Meat and Dairy 6. Usually, when the ketones are positive the smell is like fruit or nail polish removal. If you’re concerned, consult a doctor. Other times, like when you wake up in the morning, your pee has that, well, "strong pee smell. "Sweat feeds the bacteria present on the skin, and that bacteria produces an odor," Deirdre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology Feb 21, 2024 · A big sign of high blood sugar is peculiar body odour, especially in your breath. " Or it might smell fruity, sour or even fishy. 10106/j. Too little zinc—you might stink. “In severe, uncontrolled cases of diabetes, known as diabetic ketoacidosis, the body breaks down fatty acid for fuel,” said Dr Chiam. Neglected diabetes can raise your risk of stroke, amputations and heart attack. May 27, 2025 · Certain health conditions can cause sour-smelling body odor. Diabetes-Related Ketoacidosis (DKA) How to Manage Sour Body Odor. "Skin infections can present with a putrid odor from the byproducts of bacterial growth. Jun 27, 2019 · In type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t able to effectively use insulin to bring glucose into the cells. Your body can have a sweet, sour, tangy, or onion-like odor. Feb 19, 2023 · Why do diabetics smell sour? If you have diabetes, a change in body odor could be a sign of diabetes-related ketoacidosis. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. " Feb 19, 2025 · Nobody likes stinky sweat or putrid-smelling pits. Trichomycosis 5. . Dec 12, 2021 · Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to respond to insulin, or cannot produce sufficient amounts to take up blood sugar. Sour body odor when sleeping usually isn't a cause for concern, but the sweating could be a sign of benign hyperhidrosis or a more serious ailment. Segal; when a digestive diorder is present, the body may not absorb the mineral as it should. You can use a deodorant, practice good hygiene, or improve your food intake. High ketone levels cause your blood to become acidic and your body odor to be fruity. Kidney Disease 4. tim. 1. production Jul 12, 2023 · Diabetes can cause body odor to worsen. She asked her doctor about it at her next visit (because i kept commenting on it, so just to shut me up) and Dr decided to do a GTT. The causes of body odour are various medications, the food eaten, stress, hormonal changes etc. Small changes, like swapping sugary snacks for fermented options, can make a noticeable difference over time. Is sour body odor a sign of diabetes? While diabetes can sometimes cause changes in body odor, it’s not always sour. Jun 2, 2020 · It was suggested that people with diabetes do in fact have olfactory difficulties, as some patients with diabetes who develop foot wounds which progress into an infection with a foul odor can’t notice the odors from the wound. This article explores the connection between diabetes and body odor, the underlying causes, and practical strategies for management. Ignoring changes in the smell of sweat can lead to overlooking serious health complications. Fungal infections or yeast overgrowth on the skin can also produce a sour or musty smell. Diabetes 3. This is a hallmark of a condition called DKA. Is Diabetes Body Odor Permanent or Temporary? Diabetes-related body odor can be temporary, often Apr 30, 2025 · Can stress cause sour body odor? Yes, stress can trigger the apocrine glands to release more sweat, which can lead to increased body odor when broken down by bacteria. Additionally, some evidence suggests that certain diabetes medications may affect a person’s body odor. For example, diabetes can lead to changes in body scent, especially if blood sugar is poorly controlled. Experts say the condition produces three distinct odours that are likely to show up in a person, which include: A fruity odour to the breath Breath that smells like feces due to prolonged vomiting / or when there is bowel obstruction Breath that has an ammonia-like odour - in people with chronic kidney failure. Then, they can perform an exam and order tests (if needed) to determine if your different or stronger body odor is related to an illness that should be treated. Many women also experience anxiety or stress during menopause, which can also lead to unwanted odor. Jan 14, 2025 · Learn how body odor reveals hidden health risks and early warning signs of diseases, empowering you to take control of your health. Diabetes . A blood or urine sample can test levels, but zinc has a pretty low presence in the body to begin with. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here. ” He turned to me with genuine curiosity and asked, “What is the smell of diabetes to you?” “Insulin,” I replied. O. Solving foul body odor caused by stress, bacteria, diet, and excessive sweating is easy. This is actually how we found out my mother was diabetic (type 1 diagnosed in her 40s. Key Takeaways: Body Odor Understanding BO: Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. Gangrene, which is dying tissue, has one of the most offensive odors and smells like rotting meat. But if strong odor persists after these usual remedies, then it might be a symptom of body odor diseases. Dec 24, 2024 · Diabetes can contribute to noticeable changes in body odor, particularly when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. Sour or foul-smelling sweat May 15, 2025 · Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), thyroid disorders, diabetes, and kidney disease can all affect body odor. Monitor your diet, focusing on low-sugar foods. While changes in body odor can be a Most Common Causes of Sour Body Odor. Do hormonal changes cause body odor to smell? Mar 7, 2024 · Medical science has found a strong correlation between body odor and elevated blood sugar levels. May 9, 2025 · Besides diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome), and some metabolic disorders can cause unusual body odors. Apr 24, 2023 · Body odor results from bacteria breaking down molecules in sweat. Health Conditions That Contribute to Sour Smelling Sweat. Here are some possible approaches: Diabetes Management : If diabetes is the cause, managing blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can help alleviate the sweet smell. Body odor, especially armpit odor, can impair a person’s day-to-day life and affect the mental health of the individual. 2 days ago · Diabetes: In some cases, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a fruity or acetone-like odor on the breath due to the production of ketones. Diabetes is a long-term condition, meaning that there is no cure, but people can manage it. tibmnmlw meu sxoj bxjmui zzhhy gmrdc ndcga yqfuo qpyy ypsnl