Detecting ketones in breath

[hanadr]

I've been surfing the site and found a well aimed warning to newly diagnosed Dave, that if he smells a peardrop smell on his breath, he's in urgent need of help.
that is ,of cours RIGHT. BUT a warning. Not everyone can smell ketones in low concentrations. I for one can smell nail polish removerin the bottle, but can't detect ketones on my T1 husband's breath. It doesn't happen often, but it has done and I was asked by a nurse why I hadn't been alerted.
I can't smell it in that sort of concentration. I think it's one of those genetic things. In general I have a good sense of smell.

 

[lilibet]

Ketones in breath is also only a concern if bg is high. Ketones also present on low carb diets (esp early days of it), dehydration and starvation. I often taste ketones first thing (which i realise now has been going on for weeks pre dx) but this is likely just due to lower carbs at tea time plus overnight 'starvation'. My breath doesnt smell of anything when i can taste this.

To rule out anything else I have tested and found bg usually under 6 and ketones present on ketostix but generally dont worry about it.Meter is your best guide

 

[goji]

Interesting. I've never smelt ketones on myself. Just wondered what they are supposed to taste like?

 

[Trinkwasser]

Interesting. I've never smelt ketones on myself. Just wondered what they are supposed to taste like?

I can smell them in my early morning pee sometimes.

You're too young to remember acetylene lamps but have you ever caught a whiff in a welding shop? It's a kind of sweet but bitter smell, very characteristic.