# diabetic

/ˌdaɪəˈbɛtɪk/ (US) · /dˌaɪəbˈɛtɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diabetic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. having diabetes

adjective · CEFR B2

having the medical condition called diabetes.

For teachers: suffering from or affected by diabetes, typically diabetes mellitus.

- The doctor gave the diabetic patient a new plan for checking their blood sugar.
- The study followed a group of diabetic patients over five years to monitor the long-term effects of the new medication on their glucose levels.

### 2. suitable for diabetes

adjective · CEFR B2

made specifically for people with diabetes, usually with less sugar.

For teachers: formulated or suitable for consumption by individuals with diabetes, often characterized by low glycemic index or reduced sugar content.

- The bakery sells diabetic chocolate that uses a special sweetener instead of sugar.
- The nutritionist recommended a diabetic diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates to help maintain steady insulin levels throughout the day.

### 3. a person with diabetes

noun · CEFR B2

a person who has diabetes.

For teachers: a person diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

- As a diabetic, he always carries a small snack in case his blood sugar drops.
- The support group provides a space for diabetics to share their experiences and discuss the daily challenges of managing the chronic condition.

Usage: While common in medical contexts, some modern style guides prefer 'person with diabetes' to avoid defining someone solely by their condition.

Teaching tip: In modern healthcare, 'person with diabetes' is often preferred over the noun 'diabetic' to be more person-centered.

## Examples

- My uncle is diabetic and checks his sugar daily.
- The nurse explained that being diabetic requires careful monitoring of food intake and regular exercise.
- Although often associated with older adults, the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes means many young adults are now diabetic.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.