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diabetes mellitus

(mə līt′əs)

a chronic form of diabetes involving an insulin deficiency and characterized by an excess of sugar in the blood and urine, and by hunger, thirst, and gradual loss of weight

Origin: ModL, lit., honey diabetes < L mellitus, of honey, honeyed < mel, honey: see mildew

See diabetes mellitus in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A severe, chronic form of diabetes caused by insufficient production of insulin and resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The disease, which typically appears in childhood or adolescence, is characterized by increased sugar levels in the blood and urine, excessive thirst, frequent urination, acidosis, and wasting. Also called insulin-dependent diabetes, type 1 diabetes.
A mild form of diabetes that typically appears first in adulthood and is exacerbated by obesity and an inactive lifestyle. This disease often has no symptoms, is usually diagnosed by tests that indicate glucose intolerance, and is treated with changes in diet and an exercise regimen. Also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes, type 2 diabetes.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin diabētēs mellītus

Origin: : Latin diabētēs, diabetes

Origin: + Latin mellītus, honey-sweet

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