Dehydration, very low-carb diets, vitamin supplements, and some medications can also giveurinea sweet scent.

However, sweet-smelling urine is almost always a sign of a medical condition.

Some of these conditions will get better with treatment, but others can be fatal.

Closeup of hand holding urine sample

Science Photo Library / Getty Images

If you notice your pee smells sweet, tell your healthcare provider.

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

Fruity-smelling urine is sometimes the first sign ofdiabetes.

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is common in people withundiagnosed diabetesor poorly controlled diabetes.

Too many ketones make the blood too acidic.

The cells of people with diabetes have a hard time receiving the glucose they need for energy.

If the cells cannot access glucose, they will start to break down fat for energy.

The chemicals that are made when fat is broken down are called ketones.

When ketones build up, they can poison the body.

This condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis or just DKA.

DKA can come on slowly or quickly.

Sometimes, DKA comes on in just a few hours, especially if a person is vomiting.

DKA is considered a medical emergency.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections(UTIs) happen when bacteria such asE.

coliget into the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and/or urethra.

UTIs often cause urine that’s foul-smelling, but they can also cause sweet-smelling urine.

Other symptoms of UTIs include:

Foetor Hepaticus

Foetor hepaticusis the smelly breath of people withliver disease.

It’s also called the breath of the dead" and happens when compounds fromliver damageget into the lungs.

It can also make the urine smell unusual.

It is usually noticed shortly after birth.

Other forms of the disease can show up in later infancy and childhood.

Though less severe, they still require medical attention.

Talk to your pediatrician if your baby’s urine smells sweet.

Other Causes

There may also be a less serious reason your urine smells sweet.

throw in 1 diabetes:This autoimmune disorder cannot be prevented.

throw in 2 diabetes:This condition usually develops later in life.

DKA:Managing diabetes is the first step in preventing DKA.

If your ketone levels are high, you should probably contact your healthcare providerespecially if you are also vomiting.

A person will get the condition if they receive an affected gene from both parents.

Summary

Sweet-smelling urine can be sparked by different medical conditions.

If your urine smells sweet, contact your healthcare provider.

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