One common reason why your pee might smell like popcorn is diabetes, especially if it’s not managed well. Diabetes majorly affects how your body uses sugar (glucose). When sugar builds up in your blood, it can end up in your pee, which might give it a sweet or popcorn-like smell.

“The body tries to get rid of extra sugar through urine. When blood sugar is really high, breaking down sugar can lead to a smell like popcorn or even maple syrup,” says Dr. Iroko Anita, a certified medical doctor.

If you have diabetes, your body has trouble using glucose for energy, which causes sugar to build up. This makes your kidneys work harder to get rid of the extra sugar, leading to sweet-smelling pee.

Diabetes and Urine Smell Are Often Connected

High levels of sugar in your pee can make it smell unusual. For some people, the smell is like popcorn, but it could also be sweet or fruity, depending on how much sugar is in your pee.

Dr. Anita adds, “A popcorn-like smell in urine can be an early sign of diabetes, especially if you also have other symptoms like being really thirsty, feeling extra hungry, or peeing a lot.”

These other symptoms are important clues that high blood sugar could be the problem. Diagnosing diabetes early is important to avoid serious health issues.

Dehydration Can Also Cause a Strong Smell

Another reason your pee might smell like popcorn is dehydration. When you don’t drink enough water, your pee becomes more concentrated. This makes it smell stronger. Dr. Anita says, “If you notice a popcorn-like smell but don’t have other diabetes symptoms, it might just mean you’re dehydrated.”

To fix dehydration, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day. Your pee should be light yellow. If it’s dark and has a strong smell, it usually means you need more fluids.

A High-Protein Diet

Eating a lot of protein can also make your pee smell like popcorn. Foods high in protein, like chicken, fish, or asparagus, can change how your pee smells. When your body breaks down protein, it produces things like ammonia, which can lead to a popcorn-like smell.

Dr. Anita says, “If you’ve recently started eating more protein or are on a keto diet, you might notice your pee smells different. This is because your body is making more ketones, which can smell like popcorn.”

A high-protein diet isn’t necessarily bad, but you should make sure you’re getting a balanced diet. If the smell doesn’t go away or you have other symptoms, you should see a doctor.

When Should You Be Worried?

If you only notice a popcorn smell every now and then, it might not be anything serious. It could be something you ate, dehydration, or just a temporary change in your body. But if the smell sticks around or you have other symptoms like peeing a lot, extreme thirst, feeling tired, or blurry vision, it’s important to see a doctor.

Dr. Anita advises, “If you have a persistent sweet or popcorn-like smell in your pee along with other symptoms, you should see your doctor. Catching diabetes early can really help prevent complications.”

Other Symptoms

If you think you might have diabetes, look out for these symptoms along with the popcorn smell in your pee:

Increased thirst: Feeling thirsty all the time, even after drinking water, could be an indication of high blood sugar.
Frequent urination: If you’re peeing a lot, it could signify your body is attempting to get rid of extra sugar.
Unexplained weight loss: If your body can’t use glucose, it begins breaking down fat and muscle for energy, which generally leads to weight loss.
Fatigue: Feeling really tired or weak can be a telltale that your blood sugar is too high.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause swelling in your eyes, leading to blurry vision.

If you have any of these symptoms, especially if they don’t go away, it’s best to talk to a doctor.

How to Prevent Smelly Pee and Stay Healthy

To prevent unusual urine smells and keep healthy, you can make some simple lifestyle changes:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet low in sugar and refined carbs can help keep your blood sugar levels steady. Try to consume lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Drink Enough Water: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute your pee, which can stop it from smelling strong. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps manage blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Your Health: If you’re at likelihood for diabetes, regular check-ups with your doctor can help catch any problems early. Blood tests can show how well your body is processing sugar.