Type 2 diabetes: Smell of your pee can be ‘less common’ but notable sign of the condition
WHEN we urinate, we are getting rid of water and waste that our body doesn't want or need anymore. On it's way out the urine can tell us a lot, not just about what we've eaten, but about a condition present in our body that requires treatment or a change in diet.
Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
Not drinking enough fluids can also result in a change in your urine’s scent.
So can medicines and vitamin B6 supplements.
The NHS says that smelly urine can also be a sign of a number of conditions.
This includes Type 2 diabetes.
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In this case, your urine will be sweet smelling and you’ll be urinating more than usual.
It could also be a sign of kidney stones.
In this scenario, you’ll have blood in your pee.
Accompany symptoms of kidney stones include pain in the side of your abdomen or groin, feeling or being nauseous (sick) along with a severe pain that comes and goes.
Smelly urine can also be a sign of liver failure.
Other symptoms of liver failure include:
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal pain
• Nauseousness
Whilst this may worry you if you’re pee smells funny it is important to remember the following warning presented by NHS, “[D]o not self-diagnose – always see a GP.”
You should also see a GP about your pee if:
• You need to pee more often than usual or during the night.
• You have a burning sensation when peeing
• Your pee looks cloudy
Your general practitioner will be able to help you diagnose the problem and hopefully put your mind at rest with the knowledge they provide.
Sometimes your urine can also be a sign a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
UTIs are infections that affect your urinary tract, the system through which urine passes.
Antibiotics can be used to treat them, but they’re not always needed.
UTIs can affect your bladder, urethra or kidneys and can affect people of all age groups.