diabetes
/djaˈbetes/
The English phrase sugar diabetes is translated into Spanish as diabetes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, you may hear diabetes del azúcar used to refer to sugar diabetes. Additionally, in some Latin American countries, diabetes mellitus might be used interchangeably with diabetes sacarina.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word diabetes is a feminine noun in Spanish, so it takes feminine-specific articles and adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
/djaˈbetes/
Did you know?
- In certain Caribbean Spanish dialects, people might colloquially refer to the condition as el azúcar instead of using the full medical term.
- The term diabetes mellitus is used in Spanish medical contexts just as in English, but the word mellitus is Latin for 'honey-sweet', reflecting the historical observation of the disease.
- While 'diabetes' is the standard term, some older medical texts in Spanish used the term diabetes insípida to refer to a completely different condition involving salt levels, which can lead to confusion if you are not careful with the adjectives.
Examples in context
- Mi abuelo tiene azúcar alta.My grandfather has high sugar.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing health concerns at a pharmacy.
- LucíaNecesito comprar este medidor para mi padre.I need to buy this meter for my father.
- Alejandro¿Él padece de diabetes?Does he suffer from diabetes?
- LucíaSí, fue diagnosticado el año pasado.Yes, he was diagnosed last year.
- AlejandroEntiendo, Lucía. Te ayudaré a encontrar el mejor.I understand, Lucía. I will help you find the best one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry diabetes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
