diabetes mellitus

noun

diabetes mel·​li·​tus -ˈme-lə-təs How to pronounce diabetes mellitus (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to People, a spokesperson from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Wednesday (April 16) that the actress’s passing was ruled as natural, resulting from complications of diabetes mellitus. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2025 On April 16, 2025, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Trachtenberg’s cause of death was ruled natural and was the result of complications of diabetes mellitus. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Michelle Trachtenberg died due to natural causes, as a result of complications from diabetes mellitus. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 Trachtenberg died naturally as a result of complications from diabetes mellitus (the scientific term for diabetes), according to a statement from New York City’s chief medical examiner provided to our sister site Deadline. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diabetes mellitus

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of diabetes mellitus was in 1788

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diabetes mellitus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diabetes%20mellitus. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

diabetes mellitus

noun
diabetes mel·​li·​tus -ˈmel-ət-əs How to pronounce diabetes mellitus (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce diabetes mellitus (audio)
: 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

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