Type 2 diabetes affects around one in 16 people in the UK, with 3.9 million people living with the condition. If left untreated, dangerous health complications could arise, which is why having the ability to detect potential warning signs is so pertinent and if your breath smells like this, you could be in danger.
When the body cannot make insulin, the body goes on to burn fat.
Burning fat produces ketones, which build up in the blood and urine.
A large number of ketones can cause bad breath.
Having too many ketones can lead to a dangerous condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include shortness of breath, confusion, and abdominal pain.
READ MORE: Symptoms of type 2 diabetes: the ‘irritating’ sign of high blood sugar levels
What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones, the Mayo Clinic explained.
The site continued: “The condition develops when your body cannot make enough insulin.
Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar, an important source of energy for muscles and other tissues, to enter cells.
Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat for fuel.
“This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones that eventually lead to diabetic ketoacidosis if left untreated.”
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The signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis often develop rapidly, sometimes within 24 hours.
For some, these signs and symptoms may be the first indication of having diabetes.
A person may notice that they experience excessive thirst regardless of the amount of water they drink, frequent urination, and nausea and vomiting.
Halitosis
Halitosis, better known as bad breath, is sometimes associated with diabetes, he said. Diabetes.co.uk.
They continued: “Various dental and oral conditions can also cause halitosis.
“People with diabetes can lower their risk of bad breath by avoiding sugary foods and drinks and by maintaining good oral health and blood sugar levels.
“The cause of bad breath is far-reaching, but the condition is often related to poor removal of dental plaque.
“The bacteria in the plaque, which live between the teeth and on the surface of the tongue, digest glucose or food particles and then release foul-smelling gases.”
How to improve your breath caused by high blood sugar levels
Along with neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and others, periodontitis and halitosis is a common complication of type 2 diabetes.
However, a person can take steps to prevent gum disease and improve the smell of their breath.
Some ways to accomplish this include brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily, scraping your tongue, which is an ideal breeding ground for smelly bacteria, and remembering to drink the required amount of water daily as this keeps wet mouth.
