The word diabetes is derived from the Greek word that signifies a syphon. This draws attention to the increased urine (Polyuria) and thirst (Polydipsia). This description is over 2000 years ago. Aretaus the Cappadocian used the word 'diabetes' in the 2nd
Century A.D. to describe Polyuria with associated thirst and emaciation as features of the fatal disease. In the 5th Century Susrutha in India referred to DM as 'Honey Urine', while Willis in 1679 wrote that 'those laboring under this disease
piss a great deal more than they drink'. The urine is wonderfully sweet as if it were imbued with honey or sugar.