diabetes

word

/ˌdaɪəˈbitiz/
dy-uh-BEE-tiz
/daɪəbˈiːtiːz/
dy-uh-BEE-teez

Definition

A disease in which the body has too much sugar in the blood because it cannot make or use insulin properly.

Usage & Nuances

Generally used as a medical term in both formal and casual speech. Common collocations are 'Type 1 diabetes' (the body does not make insulin) and 'Type 2 diabetes' (the body cannot use insulin well). The article 'diabetes' is uncountable; we do not say 'a diabetes'.

Example Sentences

People with diabetes need to be careful about what they eat.

basic

My uncle has diabetes and checks his blood sugar every day.

basic

Doctors often test for diabetes during check-ups.

basic

After my diagnosis, I had to learn how to live with diabetes.

natural

His family has a history of diabetes, so he gets regular health checks.

natural

It can be tough to manage diabetes, but support groups really help.

natural