About Diabetic Definition About Diabetic Definition Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that helps the body's tissues to absorb glucose (sugar) for use as a source of energy. This condition may develop if muscle, fat, and liver cells respond negatively to insulin. In people with diabetes, glucose levels build up in the blood and urine, causing excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and problems with fat and protein . Diabetes mellitus is different from insipid diabetes mellitus, which is caused by a deficiency of the hormone vasopressin which regulates the amount of urine produced. Diabetes is most common in adults over 45 years of age; for people who are overweight or inactive; for people with a close family member with diabetes; and in African, Spanish, and Native American descendants. The highest rate of diabetes in the world occurs in Native Americans. More women have been diagno...