Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

11/11/03

Q:
I am forty-five years of age, I eat a reduced carb diet with fish,beef , chicken for protein and (I started this about a month ago) and I have been jogging and playing ice hockey. I am about 30 lbs overweight and I have been either very active or moderately active. I know that at times I am in ketosis. I feel great and have no symptoms of diabetes but recently I noticed a slightly sweet taste in my mouth, could this be a symptom of diabetes?

A:
Yes, "fruity breath" can occur with diabetes, but in your case as you present it, probably not. Low carb/high protein diets can produce this. This is a sign that fat is breaking down at a rapid rate to be used as body fuel. Left unchecked, it can lead to coma for one with diabetes. If you are concerned, check in with your practitioner and get a fasting blood draw.