Ward Nicholson wrote:

> Does anybody know what the possible causes of bad breath are? I don't
> believe it's all strictly bacteria in the mouth or lungs.

The causes are myriad from gum diseases to esophageal to gastric
diseases to metabolic diseases.  To a physician, the tip off in the odor
of the patient's breath which might indicate ketosis is an alcohol-like
or fruity smell.  This odor is largely due to volitle alcohols of
impartially metabolized fats.  This commonly occurs when glucose is not
present in high levels in the cells burning fats.  Bad breath or
halitosis is not a ready tip off to ketosis as halitosis can be due to
trench mouth (an infection).

As for any concerns of a label of diabetes from a urine screen, simply
the presence of ketone bodies (acetone) alone is NOT sufficient for a
label of diabetes and such a conclusion is irresponsible on the part of
a physician.  Most urine screens are done with a chem strip (dip stick)
which determine the presence of glucose as well as ketones.  Glucose
(glucosuria) simultaneously present with ketone (ketonuria) is
sufficient to heighten the suspicion of diabetes (NIDDM) but is NOT
sufficient to write such a diagnosis.  More sophisticated serum tests
are required.

Andrew
=8-)
--
Andrew S. Bonci, BA, DC, DAAPM
Assistant Professor, Department of Diagnosis
Cleveland Chiropractic College
6401 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri   64131
(816) 333-7436 ex39