What does it mean if a healthy person's urine tastes sweet?

Mar 01, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, sweet-smelling urine in healthy individuals may be caused by improper diet, insulin abnormalities, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes, or Fanconi syndrome. In daily life, drinking carbonated beverages with high sugar content or consuming foods such as sweet potatoes may lead to a sweet odor in the urine. After digestion, certain foods may cause odors in urine and feces, which typically does not require treatment.

Under normal circumstances, sweet-smelling urine in healthy individuals may be caused by improper diet, insulin abnormalities, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes, or Fanconi syndrome. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

In daily life, consuming sugary carbonated drinks or foods such as sweet potatoes may cause the urine to have a sweet odor. After digestion, food components may lead to noticeable smells in urine and feces. This condition usually does not require treatment and symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

2. Insulin Abnormalities

Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose. If insulin secretion is insufficient or abnormal, blood glucose levels rise, potentially leading to glucose in the urine, which causes the urine to smell sweet.

3. Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome can lower the renal glucose threshold, reducing the renal tubules' ability to reabsorb glucose. Excess glucose is then excreted in the urine, resulting in sweet-smelling urine.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes patients may develop sweet-smelling urine. Diabetes is commonly caused by factors such as excessive obesity and genetic predisposition. Typical symptoms include edema, skin itching, blurred vision, and sweet-smelling urine. Treatment under medical guidance may include oral medications such as metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets and voglibose tablets.

5. Fanconi Syndrome

Fanconi syndrome has various underlying causes. After onset, it may impair kidney or glomerular function, leading to impaired glucose reabsorption. Management generally includes maintaining a light, regular diet and, under doctor's supervision, using medications such as phosphate preparations and potassium citrate tablets.

If symptoms are severe, prompt medical consultation is recommended to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.