Definition of Nat'l Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): One of the National Institutes of Health in the U.S., the NIDDK has a multisystem name and a comparably broad mission, namely, to "conduct and support basic and applied research and provide leadership for a national program in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases and nutrition; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. Several of these diseases are among the leading causes of disability and death; all seriously affect the quality of life of those who have them."

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6789
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012