Main Entry: diabetes mel·li·tus

Pronunciation: \-ˈmel-ət-əs\

Function: noun

: 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