Among the evocative descriptions of a disease, a stand-out comes from traditional Chinese medicine. "Wasting-thirst" aptly suggests a constellation of symptoms that goes with diabetes. The list includes excessive thirst, lethargy and persistent hunger, plus a few more.
One can only be amazed by the dedication of the Indian physicians in the 5th century BCE who called the condition "madhumeha". We get a sense of their deep commitment when the label is translated to "honey urine". Apparently, diabetic urine tastes sweet.
