2025 ICD-10-CM code E15
Nondiabetic hypoglycemic coma.A condition characterized by a dangerously low blood sugar level (below 70 mg/dL) in individuals without diabetes, potentially leading to coma.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of severe hypoglycemia (documented low blood glucose level) leading to coma in a nondiabetic individual.The underlying cause of the hypoglycemia should be investigated and documented.
Clinicians diagnose nondiabetic hypoglycemic coma based on patient history, physical exam, and symptoms like shivering, dizziness, headache, irritability, altered mental status, seizures, weakness, pain, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, anemia, high blood pressure, and night sweats.Diagnosis is confirmed through lab tests including blood glucose, insulin levels, hormone tests, lipid panel, and urinalysis. Treatment involves IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, and potentially insulin, with continuous blood glucose monitoring.
- Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases (E00-E89)
- E15-E16: Other disorders of glucose regulation and pancreatic internal secretion
In simple words: A nondiabetic hypoglycemic coma happens when someone who doesn't have diabetes experiences a dangerously low blood sugar level, causing them to become unconscious. This can be triggered by different things like the body producing too much insulin, problems with the adrenal or pituitary glands, certain medicines, or even poison.
Nondiabetic hypoglycemic coma is a state of deep unconsciousness resulting from severely low blood sugar (below 70 mg/dL, and critically below 50 mg/dL) in people who do not have diabetes. This can be caused by various factors, including excessive insulin production, adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, certain medications, or poisoning.
Example 1: A patient with an insulinoma (a tumor that overproduces insulin) presents with recurrent episodes of confusion, sweating, and tremors, ultimately leading to loss of consciousness due to hypoglycemia., An individual accidentally ingests a large dose of sulfonylurea medication (prescribed for diabetes), resulting in a rapid drop in blood sugar and subsequent coma., A patient with Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) experiences severe weakness, vomiting, and eventual coma due to an inability to regulate blood sugar levels during a period of stress.
Documentation should include details of the presenting symptoms, onset and duration of unconsciousness, history of related conditions (e.g., adrenal or pituitary disorders), medication use, possible exposure to toxins, results of laboratory tests (blood glucose, insulin levels, hormone panels, etc.), and response to treatment.
** The term "nondiabetic" distinguishes this condition from hypoglycemic coma occurring in individuals with diabetes. The code should be used when the hypoglycemia is not caused by diabetes
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- Specialties:Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital