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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sweet Or Citrus Type Of Smell In The Nose?

I am 65, about 5 ft 5 and weigh 160. I am diabetic, taking metformin, but have the diabetes under control--exercise regularly-- in good health. For the past few days I have been smelling a rather sweet, citrusy type of smell in my nose, and I am wondering what could cause it.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 30 Jul 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 30 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thank you for posting.

I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns.

Your symptoms tells that blood sugar level is high.
Your organism doesn't produce enough insulin, and in these cases ketone bodies are produced. Ketone bodies are the chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat instead of the sugar glucose for energy.
Sweet and citrus smell is caused by the production of ketone bodies.

To check your condition ketones urine test and HbA1c test are necessary.

Contact your endocrinologist for the treatment.

All the best.
Dr. Behar.
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What Causes Sweet Or Citrus Type Of Smell In The Nose?

Hi, thank you for posting. I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns. Your symptoms tells that blood sugar level is high. Your organism doesn t produce enough insulin, and in these cases ketone bodies are produced. Ketone bodies are the chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat instead of the sugar glucose for energy. Sweet and citrus smell is caused by the production of ketone bodies. To check your condition ketones urine test and HbA1c test are necessary. Contact your endocrinologist for the treatment. All the best. Dr. Behar.