diabetes

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Cataract formation can occur as a complication of diabetes (shown here in a person affected by type I diabetes).

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Science & Tech

diabetes

medical disorder

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Feb 16, 2024 • Article History

diabetes

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Category: Science & Tech

Key People:: Nicolas C. Paulescu; Aretaeus Of Cappadocia

Related Topics:: endocrine system; diabetes mellitus; diabetes insipidus; diabetic nephropathy; polyuria

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diabetes, either of two disorders of the endocrine system. For information about the disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce or respond to insulin and characterized by abnormal glucose levels in the blood, see diabetes mellitus. For information about the disorder characterized by excessive thirst and dilute urine, caused by lack of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, see diabetes insipidus.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.