What is the abbreviation for diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is commonly abbreviated as DM. This abbreviation comes from the Latin term "diabetes mellitus," which translates to "sweet siphon," reflecting the high levels of glucose found in the urine of individuals with this condition. The simplicity of the abbreviation makes it widely recognized in both clinical and educational settings, allowing healthcare professionals to communicate efficiently about the condition.

The other abbreviations listed refer to different medical conditions: NIDDM stands for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, which is an older term now more commonly referred to as Type 2 diabetes; HTN is an abbreviation for hypertension, indicating high blood pressure; and HLD stands for hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood. Each of these terms serves specific functions in medical communication but does not relate to diabetes mellitus directly.