diabetic

Everyday

1. Diabetic means having diabetes, an illness where the body cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood properly. tree →
2. Diabetic also describes things connected with diabetes, such as diabetic food or diabetic care. tree →
3. (noun) A diabetic is a person who has diabetes. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, children learn that the body uses a hormone called insulin to control blood sugar; in type 1 diabetes the body makes none, so people inject insulin or use a pump. In everyday safety, if a diabetic friend feels shaky or faint, they may need sugar quickly and an adult should be told. Common phrases: «diabetic coma», «diabetic friendly», «type 1 diabetic», «diabetic nurse».

Examples

• My friend is diabetic and checks her blood sugar before lunch. tree →
• The diabetic nurse showed him how to use his insulin pump. tree →
• Diabetic people can still eat cake, but they plan for it. tree →
• Grandpa has diabetic socks that are gentle on his feet. tree →
• Our teacher keeps a snack box for diabetic pupils. tree →
• Many people with diabetes prefer «person with diabetes» to «a diabetic». tree →
• The shop sells diabetic chocolate. tree →

Note

Plural of the noun: diabetics. Some people prefer to be called «a person with diabetes» rather than «a diabetic». Myth: you do not catch diabetes from someone, and type 1 is not caused by eating sweets. «Hypo» is short for low blood sugar.