Definition of: diabetes

(dī′ə·bē′tis, -tēz) noun Pathol.
A disease associated with inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas and ordinarily characterized by excessive urinary secretion containing an abnormal quantity of sugar. In the form distinguished as diabetes mel·li·tus (mə·lī′təs), there is also emaciation with excessive hunger and thirst. [<NL <Gk. diab ētēs a passer through <dia- through + bainein go]