'diabetic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'diabētikos,' where 'diabētēs' meant 'siphon' due to the excessive urination associated with the condition.

'diabētikos' transformed into the Latin word 'diabēticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'diabetic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'related to diabetes,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.