Drug/chem diabetes mellitus w hypoglycemia w/o coma

This code signifies diabetes mellitus that has been brought on by a medication or chemical substance, and is currently complicated by low blood sugar levels, but without the patient experiencing a loss of consciousness. It describes a specific adverse effect where an exogenous agent has disrupted glucose regulation, leading to a diabetic state and subsequent hypoglycemic episodes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states drug- or chemical-induced diabetes and concurrent hypoglycemia, and explicitly rules out a comatose state. This is appropriate for patients whose diabetes onset is directly attributable to a prescribed medication (e.g., corticosteroids) or chemical exposure, and who are experiencing symptomatic low blood glucose.

• Always identify the specific drug or chemical causing the diabetes, if known, and code it as an adverse effect (T36-T50 with 5th or 6th character 5).
• Distinguish carefully between drug-induced diabetes and pre-existing diabetes exacerbated by medication; this code is for new onset due to the drug.
• Ensure documentation specifies "without coma" for hypoglycemia; if coma is present, a different subcategory would be appropriate.