A Surprising Sign of Diabetes Doctors Want You to Notice
If you notice this sign, pay attention.
Diabetes can bring many symptoms, like blurry vision, frequent urination, feeling tired, and being very thirsty with a dry mouth. But did you know that bad breath can also be a sign?
Dr. Richard Calderone, a specialist in public health and internal medicine, says a fruity, foul odor on the breath of someone with diabetes can be a serious sign. According to Parade, this can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition where the body breaks down fat too quickly, making the blood too acidic. This is more common in type 1 diabetes but can happen in type 2 as well.
Not all cases of bad breath are dangerous. Sometimes it’s just due to a dry mouth, says Lori Blanton, a diabetes educator. A dry mouth can cause bad breath too, notes Parade.
Why Does Diabetes Cause Bad Breath?
Not everyone with diabetes gets bad breath, also called halitosis, explains Dr. Carlo Manzana, a family medicine physician. According to Parade, high blood sugar can lead to extra sugar in the saliva, feeding bacteria, promoting plaque buildup, and causing gum disease and tooth decay, which leads to bad breath. Diabetes can also reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth and bad breath, Dr. Calderone adds.
More seriously, bad breath can be a sign of DKA, a medical emergency where the body starts burning fat instead of glucose, producing ketones. These acids build up and make the blood toxic, Parade reports. This is sometimes an early sign of type 1 diabetes and less common in type 2.
Managing Diabetes-Related Bad Breath
To minimize bad breath, managing diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels healthy is key, says Blanton. This includes regular blood sugar checks, diet adjustments, exercise, and taking medications as prescribed, according to the Mayo Clinic, Parade notes.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth twice a day, flossing once daily, and seeing a dentist regularly. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the mouth moist and washes away bacteria, adds Dr. Calderone. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and use alcohol-free mouthwashes for better results.
Can You Get Rid of Diabetes-Related Bad Breath?
You can usually improve bad breath caused by diabetes, but it might be hard to completely eliminate it since diabetes is a long-term condition, explains Dr. Calderone. However, good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, managing blood sugar, and regular dental check-ups can help, according to Parade.
Persistent Bad Breath? See a Doctor
Bad breath can also be a sign of other health issues. If it doesn’t go away, see your doctor or dentist to find the right diagnosis and treatment plan, advises Dr. Manzana. They can help manage both diabetes and related symptoms like bad breath.
Check out Parade for more insights on managing diabetes.
https://parade.com/health/unexpected-symptom-of-diabetes-according-to-doctors