diabetes
/djaˈbetes/feminine
The Spanish word for diabetes is diabetes. Wiktionary also lists diábetis and diabetis.
Meaning: A group of metabolic diseases (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diabetes | /djaˈbetes/ | feminine |
| diábetis | /djabetis/ (from spelling rules) | Central America, feminine |
| diabetis | /djabetis/ (from spelling rules) | Bolivia, feminine |
The term refers to the group of metabolic diseases. In formal medical contexts, you may see the term diabetes mellitus used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Central America, you may see the spelling and pronunciation diábetis. In Bolivia, the variant diabetis is common.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is used with feminine articles such as la (e.g., la diabetes).
How do you pronounce it?
/djaˈbetes/
Did you know?
- While diabetes is the correct term, some Spanish speakers colloquially refer to the condition as el azúcar, which literally means 'the sugar'.
- The word diabetes comes from the Greek word for 'siphon', reflecting the ancient observation that the disease causes excessive urination.
- In some rural communities, people might say someone is azucarado to describe having diabetes, rather than using the medical noun.
Examples in context
- ¿Te han diagnosticado alguna vez de diabetes?Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has ever received a diagnosis of diabetes.Tatoeba #10111108 by manufrutos, translation #9849580 by NurseMeeks
- Tom tiene diabetes.Tom has diabetes.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has diabetes.Tatoeba #9443831 by ignacio, translation #6736107 by Hybrid
- El número de personas con diabetes está aumentando en el mundo entero.The number of people with diabetes is rising globally.This sentence is useful for discussing the global increase in the number of people with diabetes.Tatoeba #1205736 by marcelostockle, translation #749781 by sctld
- El paciente fue diagnosticado con diabetes tipo 2.The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad que afecta el metabolismo de los carbohidratos.Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects carbohydrate metabolism.
- Mi abuelo tiene la diabetes.My grandfather has diabetes.
- ¿Has oído hablar de alguien que tenga la azúcar?Have you heard about someone with "the sugar"?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing health at a cafe.
- Daniel¿Cómo está tu salud, Sofía?How is your health, Sofía?
- SofíaTengo que cuidar mi diabetes.I have to take care of my diabetes.
- DanielEntiendo, debe ser difícil para ti.I understand, it must be difficult for you.
- SofíaSí, pero estoy aprendiendo a vivir con ella.Yes, but I am learning to live with it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diabetes” translations and entries diabetes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
