Body odor associated with diabetes is much different than the normal body odor. An unexpected alteration in body odor is a sign that something is wrong with the body chemistry. Some diets may induce a change in body odor, but if your diet hasn’t been changed and you notice a change in how you smell, it is advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of body odor
Body odor is generally thought of as a bad smell when we sweat, but that isn’t completely true. Sweat does not have an odor. Our bodies produce two different types of sweat. The first type of sweat is called eccrine sweat; this type of sweat is produced by the eccrine glands, which are the major sweat glands of the body. The main function of the sweat from the eccrine glands is to regulate body temperature.
The other type of odorless sweat is apocrine sweat, which is a thicker type of sweat produced in the groin and in the armpits. Sweat from the eccrine and apocrine glands remain odorless until bacteria mix with it. We all have staph germs on our skin which is considered normal flora. It is when the bacteria feed on the proteins in our sweat that they give off odor causing compounds and chemicals. Some sweat smells like cheese on some people, especially men. Other people smell like onions or grapefruit when they sweat. If you know what your sweat smells like and you notice a different body odor, this might be cause for you to see a doctor for evaluation.
Diabetes and Body Order
Sweat is odorless till it responds to bacteria on surface of the skin. Some processes of disease, such as with diabetes, can influence how body odor smells. The body chemistry in diabetes can change the usual smells of body odor. Quite often, people with elevated blood glucose will produce a sweet-smelling, somewhat fruity body odor.
The scent is very distinctive. When taking insulin to treat diabetes, the skin may have an odor of that smells like acetone. Untreated diabetes can resulted in to ketoacidosis; the patient’s skin may taste sweet, and the sweat may produce a very unique odor. If the Diabetes patient is taking insulin, his/her body odor smells like an acetone.
Ketoacidosis occurs when glucose isn’t available as a fuel resource in the body. The body begins burning fat for energy; fat byproducts called ketones are produced when fat isn’t completely burned for fuel. The fruity odor may be most noticeable on the breath of a diabetic; the individual may also experience a fruity taste in the mouth.
Treatment options for diabetics with body odor
Diabetics should try to keep their blood glucose levels in balance. If there is an imbalance, and the body must break down fats to feed the tissues of the body, the skin may smell sweet or like alcohol or acetone. These odd body odors may go away when the blood glucose levels are kept within normal range or near normal with diet and medication.
If you are diabetic and have body odor, you may want to use an antibacterial soap and a good deodorant. It is important to maintain good hygiene, because the skin could easily break down with an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin, especially in the folds of the skin. It is very important to dry yourself thoroughly after bathing or showering. Some people like to use powder or corn starch to help keep the skin dry.
Conclusion
If you observe sudden sweet smelling urine, tingling feet, skin dryness or constant thirst, consult your family doctor immediately; these could be symptoms of diabetes. If there are sudden changes in your body odor, consult your physician as soon as possible. Your doctor should be able to advise you how to manage your hygiene and skin care.
If you have diabetes, it is important to pay attention to your diet, and maintain your health with medication (if indicated). If you are unsure about what your diet should consist of, ask your doctor or nutritionist to advise you on the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates needed in the daily diet.
Sources:
http://www.infobarrel.com/Diabetes_Body_Odor
http://www.bodybadodor.com/diabetes-body-odor/
http://www.ehow.com/way_5494639_diabetes-cause-body-odor.html
