Diabetes manifests itself with a variety of symptoms from blurred vision to frequent urination and feeling thirsty, but few people know that one of the symptoms of diabetes is bad breath.

"Although unusual, the smell of fruit is a serious sign of diabetes," Richard Calderone tells Parade.

This could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body starts breaking down fat too quickly and the blood becomes too acidic.

The symptom is most common in people with type 1 diabetes, but Calderone says it can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes.

"Not everyone with diabetes has bad breath, also known as halitosis."

There are several reasons why diabetics have bad breath. First, there is a group of people who are most at risk of gum disease. Research shows that about one-third of diabetes patients have gum disease.

“The high blood sugar levels that often accompany diabetes can lead to excess sugar in saliva, which feeds bacteria in the mouth, promotes plaque build-up and potentially causes gum disease and tooth decay. It can also lead to bad breath. "Typically, bad breath in type 2 diabetes is a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes," Calderone said.

There are situations in which bad breath is not a sign of any serious disease, but only of dry mouth. In any case, if it persists, it is important to seek medical advice.