Diabetes affects our blood vessels and nerves and therefore can affect any part of the body. However, certain parts of our body are affected more than other parts.
I don't think dogwoods have (much?) scent, maybe just lightly floral. The white petally looking things are not actually petals they are bracts, like a poinsettia has. There's something called an English dogwood that is very fragrant, but it isn't a true dogwood and is also known as mock orange. Bradford pears have a smell that this author described as sweaty socks, so if your tree doesn't smell very good that's probably it: http://www.gardenguides.com/106133-dogw ...
The flowerheads of the China Girl dogwood are large white bracts and profusely bloom in late spring and early summer. Fall brings deep red-purple leaf color and striking raspberry-like fruit. Dogwoods are a favorite ornamental tree of homeowners -- thanks to their modest size and four-season appeal. And once you know some facts about dogwood trees, growing and nurturing these handsome trees is a breeze. In spring, these native trees (Cornus florida), which grow only to 20 to 30 feet, explode with white (or sometimes pink or red) bracts centered with small clusters of yellow flowers, shouting that winter is finally over. In summer, their blossoms give way to light green leaves that provide welcome shade.