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Acetone or Alcohol?

Lesleywo

Lesleywo

Well-Known Member
Messages
714
Location
Southern Highlands, Australia
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
My addiction to carbs
My son called me today - he is an insurance assessor and had been to a client's house. After he left he got a text from the lady saying she was health professional and wanted to let him know that he smelt of acetone. He had drunk 7 or 8 beers the night before (he is a heavy drinker) - does acetone smell like alcohol? I am concerned either way but particularly concerned if it is acetone. I have Addisons and Hashimoto's and am GAD positive (but not diabetic) so you can imagine why I am worried.

He is 32, has developed a bit of a 'gut' over the last 12 months. I asked him re. typical signs of diabetes. He said he is always thirsty but does not urinate a lot and doesn't get up in the night to go. Sometimes has blurry eyes when he's been on the computer a lot. No weight loss. Gets tired but puts it down to working long hours and weight gain since giving up soccer.

I told him to go to his GP and get blood tests done (he needs to know if his liver is being affected by the alcohol he drinks anyway).

Needless to say, I am worrying - any thoughts?
 
Really the only way to be sure is to see his GP and get himself checked. You don't always display all the symptoms of diabetes if you have it, but equally having some of the symptoms doesn't mean he does have diabetes.

I know it's hard not to self diagnosis (believe me I've done it) but nag him to get an appointment booked.

Sending him best wishes - if he is diagnosed make sure he joins the forum, I've found it a great help since diagnosis.
 
If yr son is a heavy drinker, he should go see GP and get liver function test done to determine what the smell of acetone refers to. Failure to do so could lead to poor health forcing the need to seek medical help anyway.
 
@Lesleywo You did the right thing in telling him to see his GP. I didn't have any symptoms when I was diagnosed, but had been drinking 3-4 pints of beer most nights, and had a beer gut. Make sure he takes your advice.
 
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