E16.2 Hypoglycemia, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Hypoglycemia, unspecified** (ICD-10 code: E16.2)

#### Summary
- Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormally low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. While it often occurs in individuals with diabetes as a result of medication, it can also happen in people without diabetes, though these instances are less common. The term "unspecified" indicates that the exact cause or type is not clearly identified.

#### Causes
- Hypoglycemia without a clear underlying condition can occur due to:
  - Excessive alcohol consumption without eating
  - Prolonged fasting or malnutrition
  - Certain medications or drug interactions
  - Rarely, underlying endocrine disorders

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors for hypoglycemia include:
  - Having diabetes and taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications
  - History of gastric surgery
  - Chronic kidney or liver disease
  - Adrenal or pituitary gland disorders

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms may include:
  - Trembling or shakiness
  - Sweating
  - Rapid heartbeat
  - Confusion or irritability
  - Dizziness or light-headedness

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis typically involves:
  - Blood glucose test to confirm low blood sugar levels
  - Reviewing medical history and current medications
  - Potential continuous glucose monitoring for recurrent cases

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment focuses on rapidly restoring blood glucose levels:
  - Consuming fast-absorbing carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, juice)
  - Addressing underlying causes through medical management or dietary adjustments
  - Avoiding prolonged fasting

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With proper management, symptoms can often be controlled effectively. Regular follow-up is necessary to prevent future episodes, and patients should be educated on recognizing early symptoms.

#### Complications
- If untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to severe complications like:
  - Loss of consciousness or seizures
  - Cognitive disturbances
  - Long-term neurological damage

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Preventive measures include:
  - Eating regular meals and snacks
  - Balancing carbohydrate intake with medication needs
  - Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
  - Educating family and friends about hypoglycemia signs

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate help if:
  - Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia occur (e.g., confusion, loss of consciousness)
  - Frequent episodes are experienced without an apparent cause

#### Additional Resources
- American Diabetes Association: [www.diabetes.org](https://www.diabetes.org)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: [www.niddk.nih.gov](https://www.niddk.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the unspecified nature is correctly documented if the exact cause isn't identified.
- Differentiate between hypoglycemia as a chronic condition and isolated episodes to avoid miscoding.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Hypoglycemia, unspecified

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