diabetic

1 of 2

adjective

di·​a·​bet·​ic ˌdī-ə-ˈbe-tik 

1

: of or relating to diabetes or diabetics

2

: affected with diabetes

3

: occurring in or caused by diabetes

diabetic coma

4

: suitable for diabetics

diabetic food

diabetic

2 of 2

noun

: a person affected with diabetes

Examples of diabetic in a Sentence

Adjective

new drugs for treating diabetic patients

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For example, diabetic retinopathy happens when the blood vessels in the retina leak or abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina.8 Diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe conditions like diabetic macular edema, which occurs when someone with diabetes experiences retinal swelling. —Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2025

Studies on the use of Asian ginseng have yielded varied results, with suggestions that the adaptogen may help alleviate symptoms in diabetic patients, support the immune system and potentially improve cognitive function. —Jp Shaffer, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2025

Noun

The Bigg Chill later responded, explaining that some of their items are intended for diabetics, vegans and people with Celiac disease. —Charna Flam, People.com, 31 July 2025

Type 1 diabetes is obvious early in life and accounts for only about 5% of all diabetics. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin diabēticus, from Late Latin diabētēs diabetes + -icus -ic entry 1

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin diabēticus, noun derivative of diabēticus diabetic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1763, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diabetic

• alphabetic
• anaesthetic
• anesthetic
• antithetic
• apathetic
• arithmetic
• cybernetic
• dietetic
• diuretic
• empathetic
• energetic
• geodetic

Kids Definition

diabetic

1 of 2 adjective

di·​a·​bet·​ic ˌdī-ə-ˈbet-ik 

: of, relating to, or having diabetes

a diabetic person

diabetic

2 of 2 noun

: a person who has diabetes

Medical Definition

diabetic

1 of 2 adjective

di·​a·​bet·​ic ˌdī-ə-ˈbet-ik 

1

: of or relating to diabetes or diabetics

2

: affected with diabetes

3

: occurring in or caused by diabetes

a diabetic coma

4

: suitable for diabetics

diabetic food

diabetic

2 of 2 noun

: a person affected with diabetes