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

Trachtenberg died in 2025 at 39 from complications of diabetes mellitus, while Chase died in June at 35 from AIDS. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026

Trachtenberg died in 2025 at 39 from complications of diabetes mellitus. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE that April that the actress’ death was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus, and the manner of death was ruled natural. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Two months later, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner listed her cause of death as complications from diabetes mellitus. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026

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