Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Alexander Sennuga

What does diabetic poop smell like? This may seem like a strange question, but if you have diabetes, it is an important one. Your poop’s odour can reveal a lot about your blood sugar levels and your risk of developing a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

In this article, we will explain what causes sweet-smelling poop in diabetes, how to prevent it, and when to see a doctor. Read on to learn more about this topic and how it affects your health and well-being.

What Does Diabetic Poop Smell Like, and Why?

Individuals experiencing diabetes frequently mention detecting a sweet fragrance in their feces or stool, which is reminiscent of fruity odours. This is most likely to occur when your blood sugar levels run high, often due to yeast overgrowth or the body trying to excrete excess sugar. Certain individuals characterise the odour as akin to nail polish remover or the scent of markers with fruity fragrances.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. In diabetes, the body either produces insufficient insulin or is unable to effectively utilise the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar from the food enter your cells to be used for energy. When you have diabetes, your body accumulates sugar instead of your cells utilising it. This can cause various symptoms and complications, such as:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision and headaches
• Nerve damage and infections
• Heart and kidney problems

One of the complications of diabetes is DKA, which occurs when your body starts breaking down fat for energy instead of sugar. This produces acidic substances called ketones, which can build up in your blood and urine. DKA can cause a fruity smell in your breath, urine, and poop. DKA is a medical emergency that can lead to coma or death if not treated promptly. Some of the signs and symptoms of DKA are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing and chest pain
• Confusion and drowsiness
• Fruity breath and sweet-smelling poop

Causes of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

This may seem strange, but it could be a sign of high blood sugar levels or a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In this article, we will explain how diabetes can affect the smell of your stool, what causes it, and what you should do if you notice it.

How diabetes can affect the smell of your stool

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses glucose, the main source of energy for your cells. Normally, your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps glucose enter your cells. However, if you have diabetes, your pancreas either does not make enough insulin or your cells do not respond well to it. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, causing elevated blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels can have many effects on your body, including your digestive system. One of the effects is that your urine may smell sweet or fruity because your kidneys try to flush out the excess glucose through your urine. Another possible effect is that your poop may smell sweet or fruity because some of the glucose may pass through your intestines and mix with your stool. However, this is not a common symptom of diabetes, and more research is needed to confirm whether it happens.

What causes sweet-smelling poop in diabetes?

There are two main causes of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes: yeast overgrowth and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Yeast overgrowth

One possible cause of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes is yeast overgrowth in your intestines. Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives in small amounts in your gut, along with other bacteria. However, if your blood sugar levels are high, yeast may grow out of control and cause an infection called candidiasis. Candidiasis can affect different parts of your body, including your mouth, skin, genitals, and intestines.

When yeast overgrows in your intestines, it can produce a substance called acetaldehyde, which has a sweet or fruity smell. Acetaldehyde can also be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and mood swings. Acetaldehyde can also be excreted through your stool, giving it a sweet or fruity odour.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Another possible cause of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA. DKA is a life-threatening complication that occurs when your body does not have enough insulin to use glucose for energy. Instead, your body breaks down fat for energy, producing acidic substances called ketones. Ketones can build up in your blood and make it too acidic, causing a condition called ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis can cause many symptoms, such as:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Confusion and coma

Ketoacidosis can also affect the smell of your poop because some of the ketones may pass through your intestines and mix with your stool. Ketones have a sweet or fruity smell, which can give your poop a similar odour.

What to do if you notice sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

If you have diabetes and notice that your poop smells sweet or fruity, you should not ignore it. It could be a sign of high blood sugar levels, yeast overgrowth, or diabetic ketoacidosis, which are all serious conditions that require medical attention. Here are some steps you should take if you notice sweet-smelling poop in diabetes:

• Check your blood sugar levels. If they are high, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to lower them. You may need to adjust your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
• Check your urine for ketones. You can use a urine test strip that changes colour when it detects ketones. If you have ketones in your urine, it means that your body is breaking down fat for energy, which could lead to ketoacidosis. It is crucial to contact your doctor promptly or seek immediate assistance in the emergency room.
• See your doctor for a stool test. Your doctor may order a stool test to check for yeast overgrowth or other infections in your intestines. If you have yeast overgrowth, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication to treat it. You may also need to take probiotics to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut.
• Follow your diabetes management plan. The best way to prevent sweet-smelling poop in diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You should follow your diabetes management plan, which includes taking your medication, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood sugar levels. You should also see your doctor regularly for check-ups and tests.

One might wonder, “What does diabetic poop smell like, and does diabetes impact bowel movements?” Indeed, diabetes can influence the entire gastrointestinal tract. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage that alters digestive processes, potentially resulting in changes in bowel habits and even the smell of stool. Fluctuations in blood sugar can affect the speed of digestion, sometimes slowing it down, which can alter the composition and possibly the odour of stool.

Diet and Diabetes Management

For those living with diabetes, managing their diet is paramount. The focus is on eating foods that can help control blood sugar levels, like whole grains, leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Diet plays a role in stool odour as well, because what you eat directly affects your digestive system and, ultimately, the scent of your waste. A balanced diabetic diet not only helps manage blood sugar levels but also supports a healthy digestive system.

The Importance of Blood Sugar Monitoring

Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels are critical in preventing the complications of diabetes. Keeping blood sugar levels within a target range can prevent or delay health problems. People with diabetes need to regularly check their blood sugar levels and work closely with their healthcare providers to adjust their food intake, medications, and exercise to maintain a healthy balance.

Understanding the basics of diabetes is essential for recognising how this condition can influence not only your health but also various bodily functions, including digestion and stool odour. Staying informed about how diabetes works and its management can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life. If you notice unusual symptoms or changes, such as a particular change in “What does diabetic poop smell like?” This could serve as an indication to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your diabetes management plan is optimal.

Symptoms and complications of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

Sweet-smelling poop in diabetes may not be a common symptom, but it could indicate a serious problem. If you have diabetes and notice that your poop smells sweet or fruity, you should not ignore it. It could be a sign of high blood sugar levels, yeast overgrowth, or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These conditions can cause various symptoms and complications that can affect your health and quality of life. In this article, we will explain what symptoms and complications you may experience if you have sweet-smelling poop with diabetes and what you should do about it.

Symptoms of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

The symptoms of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes may vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms that may accompany sweet-smelling poop in diabetes are:

• Increased thirst and urination: High blood sugar levels can make you feel thirsty and dehydrated and cause you to urinate more often. This can also lead to a loss of electrolytes and minerals, which can affect your nerve and muscle function.
• Unexplained weight loss: High blood sugar levels can prevent your cells from using glucose for energy and cause your body to break down fat and muscle for fuel. This can result in weight loss, even if you are eating more than usual.
• Fatigue and weakness: High blood sugar levels can make you feel tired and weak, as your cells are not getting enough energy. You may also experience muscle cramps, aches, and pains.
• Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and cause fluid to leak into the lens. This can affect your ability to focus and see clearly.
• Slow-healing cuts or sores: High blood sugar levels can impair your immune system and blood circulation and make it harder for your body to heal wounds and fight infections. You may also notice that your skin is dry, itchy, or prone to fungal infections5.
• Fruity-smelling breath: High blood sugar levels can cause your body to produce ketones, which are acidic substances that have a sweet or fruity smell. Ketones can also be detected in your breath and give it a distinctive odour.

Complications of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

Sweet-smelling poop in diabetes can also indicate a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA. DKA occurs when your body does not have enough insulin to use glucose for energy and resorts to breaking down fat for fuel. This produces ketones, which can accumulate in your blood and make it too acidic. DKA can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, as it can cause:

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: DKA can cause you to lose fluids and electrolytes through increased urination, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration, which can affect your blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function. Electrolyte imbalance can also cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, and coma.
• Difficulty breathing: DKA can cause your lungs to compensate for the acidosis by breathing faster and deeper. This can make you feel short of breath and cause a condition called Kussmaul breathing, where you breathe with your mouth open and make a sighing sound.
• Chest pain: DKA can increase your risk of developing a heart attack, especially if you have a history of heart disease. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to your heart is blocked and can cause chest pain, nausea, sweating, and dizziness.
• Confusion and coma: DKA can affect your brain function and cause you to feel confused, disoriented, or agitated. You may also have trouble speaking, remembering, or concentrating. In severe cases, DKA can cause you to lose consciousness and fall into a coma.

Diagnosis and treatment of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

Sweet-smelling poop in diabetes may be a sign of high blood sugar levels, yeast overgrowth, or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These conditions can have serious consequences for your health and well-being, so it’s important to get them diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. In this article, we will explain how doctors can diagnose and treat sweet-smelling poop in diabetes and what you can do to prevent and manage it.

How doctors can diagnose sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

If you have diabetes and notice that your poop smells sweet or fruity, you should see your doctor for a check-up. Your doctor may use the following tests and exams to diagnose the cause of your sweet-smelling poop:

• Blood sugar test: Your doctor may use a finger prick or a blood draw to measure your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can indicate uncontrolled diabetes or DKA, which can cause sweet-smelling urine and breath, and possibly poop12.
• Urine test: Your doctor may ask you to collect a urine sample and test it for glucose and ketones. Glucose in your urine can indicate high blood sugar levels, and ketones in your urine can indicate DKA, which can cause sweet-smelling poop3.
• Physical exam: Your doctor may examine your mouth, skin, abdomen, and anus to look for signs of yeast overgrowth or infection, such as white patches, redness, swelling, or discharge. Yeast overgrowth can cause sweet-smelling poop due to the production of acetaldehyde, a substance that has a sweet or fruity smell.
• Stool test: Your doctor may ask you to collect a stool sample and send it to a lab for analysis. The lab may test your stool for glucose, ketones, yeast, bacteria, parasites, or blood. These tests can help identify the cause of your sweet-smelling poop and rule out other conditions, such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or cancer.

How doctors can treat sweet-smelling poop in diabetes

The treatment of sweet-smelling poop in diabetes depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe the following treatments depending on your diagnosis:

• Insulin: If your blood sugar levels are high or you have DKA, your doctor may give you insulin injections or an insulin pump to lower your blood sugar levels and prevent further complications. Insulin can help your body use glucose for energy and stop the production of ketones, which can cause sweet-smelling poop.
• Fluids and electrolytes: If you have high blood sugar levels or DKA, you may be dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance. Your doctor may give you fluids and electrolytes through an intravenous (IV) line to rehydrate you and restore your normal blood chemistry. Fluids and electrolytes can help prevent or treat symptoms such as thirst, urination, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, and confusion.
• Medications: If you have yeast overgrowth or infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to kill the yeast and stop the production of acetaldehyde, which can cause sweet-smelling poop. Antifungal medications can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on the location and severity of the infection.
• Probiotics: If you have yeast overgrowth or infection, your doctor may recommend taking probiotics to restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help prevent or treat yeast overgrowth and other digestive issues. Probiotics can be found in foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or in supplements.

Prevention and Management of Sweet-Smelling Poop in Diabetes

The best way to prevent and manage sweet-smelling poop in diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You can do this by following your diabetes management plan, which includes:

• Taking your medication: You should take your medication as your doctor prescribes and adjust it according to your blood sugar levels and the doctor’s advice.You should also check your blood sugar levels regularly and report any changes or concerns to your doctor.
• Eating a healthy diet: You should eat a balanced diet low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You should also avoid foods triggering or worsening yeast overgrowth, such as alcohol, bread, cheese, mushrooms, vinegar, or dried fruits.
• Exercising regularly: You should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or as recommended by your doctor. Exercise can help lower your blood sugar levels, improve your insulin sensitivity, and boost your immune system. Exercise can also help prevent or relieve constipation, which can contribute to sweet-smelling poop.
• Staying hydrated: You should drink plenty of water and other sugar-free fluids to stay hydrated and flush out excess glucose and ketones from your urine and stool. You should also avoid drinks that can dehydrate you or raise your blood sugar levels, such as alcohol, coffee, tea, or soda.
• Take probiotics or eat fermented foods to balance your gut microbiota.
• Check your urine for ketones if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or high blood sugar.

When Should I See a Doctor for Sweet-Smelling Poop in Diabetes?

If you have diabetes and notice a sweet smell in your poop, you should check your blood sugar levels and urine for ketones. If your blood sugar is high or you have ketones in your urine, you should contact your doctor or seek emergency care. You may need insulin or fluids to lower your blood sugar and ketones and prevent DKA.

You should also see a doctor if you have other symptoms of infection, inflammation, or digestive problems, such as:

• Fever and chills
• Blood or mucus in your stool
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Changes in the colour, texture, or frequency of your stool 

Sweet-smelling poop in diabetes is not a normal or harmless symptom. It can indicate high blood sugar levels or a life-threatening complication. Therefore, you should always pay attention to your poop and any changes in its odour, as well as your blood sugar levels and overall health. By following your diabetes treatment plan and seeking medical help when needed, you can prevent and manage sweet-smelling poop in diabetes and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

What does diabetic poop smell like? is not a question to ignore. It can indicate high blood sugar levels or a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Both of these conditions can have harmful effects on your health and well-being.

The good news is that you can prevent and manage sweet-smelling poop in diabetes by following some simple steps. These include:

• Keeping your blood sugar levels under control with medication, diet, and exercise
• Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water
• Taking probiotics or eating fermented foods to balance your gut microbiota
• Checking your urine for ketones if you have symptoms of DKA or high blood sugar
• Seek a doctor if you have other signs of infection, inflammation, or digestive problems

By taking these actions, you can reduce your risk of developing sweet-smelling poop from diabetes and improve your quality of life. Always remember, you are not alone on this journey. There are many resources and support groups available to help you cope with diabetes and its challenges. You can also contact our helpline or visit our website for more information and advice.

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