diabetes

[ dahy-uh-bee-tis, -teez ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any of several disorders characterized by increased urine production.
2. Also called di·a·be·tes mel·li·tus [mel, -i-t, uh, s, m, uh, -, lahy, -]. a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, usually occurring in genetically predisposed individuals, characterized by inadequate production or utilization of insulin and resulting in excessive amounts of glucose in the blood and urine, excessive thirst, weight loss, and in some cases progressive destruction of small blood vessels leading to such complications as infections and gangrene of the limbs or blindness.
3. type 1 diabetes ( def ).
4. type 2 diabetes ( def ).
5. Also called di·a·be·tes in·sip·i·dus [in-, sip, -i-d, uh, s]. increased urine production caused by inadequate secretion of vasopressin by the pituitary gland.

diabetes

/ -tiːz; ˌdaɪəˈbiːtɪs /

noun

1. any of various disorders, esp diabetes mellitus, characterized by excretion of an abnormally large amount of urine

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabetes¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from New Latin, Latin, from Greek, equivalent to diabē- (variant stem of diabaínein “to go through, pass over,” equivalent to dia- “through” + baínein “to pass”) + -tēs agent suffix; dia-

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabetes¹

C16: from Latin: siphon, from Greek, literally: a passing through (referring to the excessive urination), from diabainein to pass through, cross over; see diabase

Example Sentences

Kennedy’s largest focus of late has been on noninfectious diseases such as diabetes and cancer and their risk factors such as obesity.

From Science Magazine

Vascular services diagnose and treat people for problems with arteries, veins or circulation, and are often used by patients who have other health issues, such as diabetes.

From BBC

Although still an extremely high number, roughly killing as many Americans per year as diabetes, the overdose crisis is set to kill fewer than 100,000 Americans this year for the first time since 2020.

From Salon

Two scientists studying metabolism accidentally discovered that removing a dog’s pancreas caused diabetes—paving the way for the discovery of insulin.

From Slate

People in the clinical at-risk groups include anyone with conditions that affect breathing, some heart conditions, kidney or liver disease, diabetes and some conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

From BBC