ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diabetes

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //ˌdaɪəˈbitiz// UK //daɪəbˈiːtiːz// di·a·betes Humorous Slang

n. a medical condition where your body cannot control the amount of sugar in your blood. You might need to watch what you eat or take medicine to stay healthy.

n. a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use.


SIMPLE

He manages his diabetes by checking his blood sugar every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she worked with a nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan.

COMPLEX

Advances in medical technology have allowed patients with diabetes to monitor their glucose levels in real-time using wearable sensors linked to their smartphones.

Origin

From Latin diabētēs (“siphon”), from Ancient Greek διαβήτης (diabḗtēs), from Ancient Greek διαβαίνω (diabaínō, “to pass through”).

Usage

The noun is uncountable and takes a singular verb despite the 's' ending.

Pitfall

Diabetes are common.Diabetes is common.Diabetes is a singular noun; it requires a singular verb.

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