Type 2 diabetes is classified under ICD-10-CM code E11, which requires specifying the complication. Common billable codes include E11.65 (hyperglycemia), E11.22 (diabetic chronic kidney disease), E11.21 (nephropathy), and E11.9 (without complications).
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Type 1 excludes
- type 2 diabetes mellitus, without complications in remission (E11.A)
Coding risks
- Incorrectly coding when complications are present but not documented
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| E11.9 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications | Documented T2DM with no hyperglycemia, nephropathy, CKD, or other complications noted. |
| E11.65 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia | T2DM with documented hyperglycemia, without diabetic nephropathy, CKD, or other complications. |
| E11.22 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease | T2DM with diabetic CKD documented, including a specific CKD stage in the chart. |
| E11.21 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy | T2DM with diabetic nephropathy documented, without a specified CKD stage in the chart. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Category for type 2 diabetes mellitus, including codes that capture associated complications across multiple body systems.
Diabetes mellitus
Sub-chapter covering all forms of diabetes mellitus, organized by underlying etiology and including associated complications.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Category for type 1 diabetes mellitus with autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells and absolute insulin deficiency.
Elevated blood glucose level
Category for abnormal glucose findings including prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance without an established diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium
Category for diabetes complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium, including pre-existing and gestational forms.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Type 2 Diabetes.
Impact
Assigning E11 without explicit type may miscode as type 1 diabetes (E10) or unspecified diabetes.
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when type is absent rather than inferring from age, BMI, or oral medication use.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
In pregnancy
Pregnancy-specific O-code adaptations used in place of the primary when the condition occurs during or complicates pregnancy.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When long-term insulin use is documented, add Z79.4 alongside the E11 code to capture the chronic medication status.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-05-15.