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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
However, they should always be given in moderation, because overfeeding your pet can lead to obesity, which causes diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, heart disease and even cancer.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
For example, diabetes mellitus should be suspected if the tongue has a yellow coating, whereas a purple tongue with a thick fatty layer may be a symptom of cancer and a white tongue may indicate a lack of iron in a person’s blood.
—Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus, a medical condition that leads to high blood glucose.
—Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024
Though these symptoms are also seen with diabetes mellitus (DM), remember that the two conditions are distinct.
—Erika Prouty, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
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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
Time Traveler
The first known use of diabetes mellitus was
in 1788
Dictionary Entries Near diabetes mellitus
Cite this Entry
“Diabetes mellitus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diabetes%20mellitus. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on diabetes mellitus
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diabetes mellitus
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