2025 ICD-10-CM code E16.0
Drug-induced hypoglycemia without coma. Use additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5).
The medical necessity of treating drug-induced hypoglycemia stems from the potential dangers of low blood sugar, which can range from mild discomfort to severe neurological complications. Prompt treatment is essential to restore blood glucose levels to a normal range and prevent adverse outcomes.
Physicians diagnose the condition based on history, physical examination, and signs and symptoms. Laboratory tests include blood tests for fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c, lipid panel, and urine examination. Treatment might involve advising the patient to stop using the medications that can cause hypoglycemia and avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise. Mild hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose, candy, or orange juice; severe hypoglycemia may require a glucagon injection or drugs such as diazoxide and octreotide to inhibit insulin secretion.
- Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases (E00-E89)
- Other disorders of glucose regulation and pancreatic internal secretion (E15-E16)
In simple words: This code refers to low blood sugar caused by medication, but not so low as to cause a coma.
Drug-induced hypoglycemia without coma refers to a condition where the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) without any signs of coma (a state of deep and prolonged unconsciousness).Drug-induced hypoglycemia is caused by intake of certain medications such as insulin, sulfonylureas, beta-blockers, and various other medications.
Example 1: A patient with type 2 diabetes who takes insulin experiences shakiness, sweating, and dizziness after accidentally administering too much insulin.Their blood glucose is 55 mg/dL, but they are conscious and alert. This would be coded as E16.0., A patient taking a sulfonylurea medication for diabetes develops lightheadedness and confusion during exercise. Their blood glucose is measured at 60 mg/dL, and they recover after drinking some orange juice. This scenario is consistent with E16.0., A patient prescribed a beta-blocker for high blood pressure experiences episodes of weakness and dizziness. Further investigation reveals a blood glucose level of 65 mg/dL during these episodes. The patient does not lose consciousness. This would be coded as E16.0 with an additional code to specify the beta-blocker.
Documentation should include the type of medication causing the hypoglycemia, the blood glucose level, and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Any treatment administered should also be documented, including oral glucose, glucagon injection, or other medications.
** It is important to distinguish E16.0 from hypoglycemia with coma (E15), which signifies a more severe condition. An additional code from the adverse effects section (T36-T50) should be used if applicable to identify the causative drug.
- Specialties:Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Home