Urine contains waste products filtered from the blood by the kidneys, including urea, creatinine, uric acid, and ammonia. Typically, urine is yellow to clear, with a slight, mild, or no odor at all. However, certain foods or medical conditions can cause an unusual odor in your urine. What exactly does it mean when your urine smells sweet?
Causes of sweet-smelling urine
Hyperglycemia and diabetes
Hyperglycemia is characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels and is associated with uncontrolled diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, glucose enters the urine via the kidneys, giving the urine a sweet odor similar to fruit or fruit cereal.
In addition to sweet-smelling urine, hyperglycemia is also characterized by other symptoms, including:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Body weakness
- Unusual fatigue
- Sweet, fruity breath odor
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can be fatal in people with diabetes. DKA develops when the body is unable to use glucose for energy due to an insulin deficiency. As a result, the body breaks down fats as an alternative source of energy, producing ketones, which, if present in excess, can make the blood too acidic and lead to ketoacidosis.
DKA symptoms appear quickly, typically within 24 hours. Symptoms include:
- Feeling extremely thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Desire to vomit and throw up
- Stomach pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Fruity-smelling urine
- Confusion
Ketoacidosis is a medical emergency. Without immediate medical attention, a person can fall into a coma and even die.
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when bacteria like E. coli enter the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Common symptoms of UTIs include frequent and painful urination, a burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
However, in some cases, the urine smells sweet during UTI. To avoid further complications, seek medical attention right away.
Other causes
In addition to the above health conditions, the change in urine aroma to sweet-like fruit can also be caused by several factors, including:
- Dehydration
- Too little carbohydrate intake (for example when dieting)
- Certain medications
- Vitamin B6 consumption
- Yeast infection
If you notice any changes in the aroma of your urine, especially if it becomes sweet, see a doctor immediately. The doctor will recommend tests to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Heather Jones (2023). Why Does My Urine Smell Sweet?. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/sudden-onset-of-sweet-smelling-urine-5114621
Cheryl Whitten (2023). What to Know About Unusual Smell of Urine. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/what-to-know-about-unusual-smell-of-urine
Mayo Clinic (2022). Hyperglycemia in diabetes. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
Mayo Clinic (2022). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371551
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Urinary Tract Infections. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
Keri Wiginton (2022). Things That Can Affect the Smell of Your Pee. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-things-that-can-affect-the-smell-of-pee
