Diabetes is a common condition which affects more than four million people in the UK, with the vast majority of cases being type 2.
Lifestyle can play a huge part in type 2 and the rising condition, which causes too much sugar in your blood, can cause serious health problems if not treated but symptoms can be difficult to spot as none of the main signs make people feel particularly unwell.
There is one unusual symptom that people can keep an eye out for and that's a key change to the smell of your breath, reports The Mirror. Developing an unusual odour in your mouth could mean you're at risk of high blood sugar, it adds, with a fruity smell a possible symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis which could be the first indication of diabetes.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis describes a reaction inside the body where a lack of insulin causes harmful ketones to build up in the blood, and it's an "unusual" sign of diabetes, according to WeightWatchers. Some patients have likened the smell of their breath to 'pear drops' or a general sweetness.
But then again diabetes could also lead to foul-smelling breath, it has been claimed, as the condition may lead to higher glucose levels in the mouth, with bacteria using this sugar as a food which subsequently leads to infection and gum disease.
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of halitosis, which has been likened to a very unpleasant smell. It reports WeightWatchers said: "Breath that smells or tastes fruity-like, on the other hand, could signal a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
"Diabetic ketoacidosis might even be the first indication that you have type 1 diabetes. Without enough insulin, your body can’t get the energy it needs from glucose, so it switches to using fat.
"This generates chemicals known as ketones - and when you wind up with too many ketones in your blood, it can be detrimental to your health. While fruity-smelling breath is a hallmark of DKA, it’s not the only symptom. You may also have trouble breathing, your skin may be flushed, or you may have been throwing up often."
The most common diabetes symptoms include having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal, having an unquenchable thirst and passing more urine than normal. Those concerned about potential warning signs or symptoms of diabetes, or worried they might be at risk, should speak to a doctor.
Because patients can be more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes, diagnosing the condition early is very important so that treatment can get under way.
