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Does the smell of alcohol from a diabetic indicate ketosis?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My husband is a type-2 diabetic. He takes Metformin, Januvia, and Zoloft. He smokes marijuana and cigarettes. He has been on the strongest nicotine patch for the past week, but still smoking occasionally. Twice in the past week, he smelled strongly of beer or alcohol and I thought he had been drinking. He swears he was not. I am concerned he has symptoms of diabetic ketosis. He has been acting very angry and irrational. Could this be a result of using the patch and smoking? Is the alcohol smell something to be concerned about? Should he be seeing his doctor? Is it safe for him to be driving with our children in the car? If it is symptoms of ketosis does it just go away or get worse over time?
Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and from what you have mentioned, it appears that your husband has diabetes and he is trying to quit smoking.

I would like to answer each one of your questions one by one:

  1. Yes, withdrawal from cigarettes can cause the person to be highly irritable and short tempered.
  2. Regarding the alcohol smell, you must check his blood sugar and urine dipstick to be very sure he does not have high blood sugar levels.
  3. He should be seeing his doctor regarding the tests and if he tests positive for ketones in his urine and blood.
  4. If his blood sugar turns out to be uncontrolled, then he must probably wait till it gets under control to be driving with children. Also, if he is under the influence of alcohol, then it is an absolute no.
  5. The symptoms of ketosis need to be treated immediately. It does not get better on its own.

Hope you find my advice beneficial. Good luck.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 27, 2017
Reviewed At May 15, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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