Etymed
diabetes mellitus
Definition
A metabolic disorder characterized by excessive urination and sweet-tasting urine due to insulin deficiency or resistance
Clinical context
A 45-year-old obese woman presents to the emergency department with polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue lasting for several weeks. Her random blood glucose is 350 mg/dL and urine dipstick shows significant glucose. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The patient is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. A 50-year-old man presents with similar symptoms but with a history of recurrent infections and weight loss. His fasting glucose is 280 mg/dL and he is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Mnemonic
Polyuria, Polydipsia, Polyphagia, and Weight Loss (PPPW) for diabetes mellitus