diabetes

di-a-be-tes · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A metabolic disease in which the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal levels of blood sugar.

  2. 2.

    (Full form: diabetes mellitus) A chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar.

Related words

See also: blood sugar, diabetic, insulin

Etymology

From Greek diabetes meaning "a siphon," from diabainein meaning "to pass through," referring to the excessive urination that is a symptom. From dia- (through) + bainein (to go). The word was used by ancient Greek physicians.