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

Her cause of death was ruled as complications related to diabetes mellitus, according to New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025

While chubby cats may look cute, obesity can shorten their life and expose them to elevated risks of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and hypertension, osteoarthritis and faster degeneration of affected joints, urinary bladder stones, and anesthetic complications. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Michelle Trachtenberg died from complications related to diabetes mellitus, according to New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025

For example, if your excessive thirst is caused by diabetes mellitus, your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications to help lower your blood sugar levels. —Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025

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