noun · neutral

diabetes

UK/ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/US/ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiz/di·a·BE·tes

Band 5-6speakingtask2

A medical condition in which the body cannot properly control blood sugar levels.

Examples

Many people manage diabetes with diet and medication.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among younger adults.

He was diagnosed with diabetes last year.

Band 8 sentence

Despite a family history of diabetes, she has managed her blood sugar effectively through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Collocations

  • type 2 diabetes
  • manage diabetes
  • have diabetes

Word family

diabetic adj / ndiabetes (plural not usual) n

Common mistakes

I have a diabetes.I have diabetes.

He is diabetes.He has diabetes.

Say it for a higher band

5sugar disease6diabetic7+diabetes

Synonyms

diabetes mellitus

high blood sugar

Easily confused

diabetic

My uncle is diabetic and has to monitor his blood sugar.

Related words

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In Health & Fitness

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