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 natural and was the result of complications of diabetes mellitus. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

Poor sleep traits were linked to 1.5 times the risk of 122 diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory failure, certain bone fractures and urinary incontinence. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025

There have been several recent studies looking into artificial sweeteners and diabetes, including a 2023 paper that linked the dietary additive with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). —New Atlas, 29 July 2025

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

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