diabetes mellitus

noun

diabetes mel·​li·​tus -ˈme-lə-təs 

: a variable disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors and usually characterized by inadequate secretion or utilization of insulin, by excessive urine production, by excessive amounts of sugar in the blood and urine, and by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight compare type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes

Examples of diabetes mellitus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first symptom to appear is diabetes mellitus, usually diagnosed around age six, and optic atrophy (progressive vision loss) around age 11. —Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Overweight or obese cats are more exposed to the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis and faster degeneration of affected joints, and urinary bladder stones, as well as anesthetic complications. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

However, they should always be given in moderation, because overfeeding your pet can lead to obesity, which causes diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, heart disease and even cancer. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

For example, diabetes mellitus should be suspected if the tongue has a yellow coating, whereas a purple tongue with a thick fatty layer may be a symptom of cancer and a white tongue may indicate a lack of iron in a person’s blood. —Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin diabētēs mellītus, literally, "honey-sweet diabetes," referring to the smell and taste of sugar in the urine

Note: See note at diabetes insipidus.

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

diabetes mellitus

noun

diabetes mel·​li·​tus -ˈmel-ət-əs 

: an abnormal bodily condition in which less than the normal amount of insulin is produced, greater than normal amounts of urine are produced, and large amounts of sugar are contained in the blood and urine and which is marked especially by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight

Medical Definition

diabetes mellitus

noun

diabetes mel·​li·​tus -ˈmel-ət-əs 

: a variable disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors and usually characterized by inadequate secretion or utilization of insulin, by excessive urine production, by excessive amounts of sugar in the blood and urine, and by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight see type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes