Diabetes Mellitus

Definition

A metabolic disorder where your body can't regulate blood sugar—whether from lack of insulin production or resistance to the stuff. It's basically your pancreas throwing up its hands in surrender.

Example Usage

The patient was newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus with a hemoglobin A1c of 9.2%.

Origin

From Latin 'diabetes' (siphon) and Arabic 'mellitus' (honey-like)

Fun Fact

Diabetes affects 537 million adults worldwide and causes more deaths than AIDS, TB, and malaria combined.

Source: Endocrinology standards; ADA guidelines

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