ICD-10 Code E08.31 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with unspecified diabetic retinopathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E08.31 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with unspecified diabetic retinopathy
What it is
This code identifies diabetes caused by another underlying condition, with diabetic retinopathy present but not specified as proliferative or nonproliferative. Use it when the record links the diabetes to a secondary cause and notes retinopathy without further detail.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Retinopathy may be described as diabetic retinal disease, retinal microvascular changes, or eye findings attributed to diabetes.
When to use this code
Use E08.31 when the provider documents diabetes due to an underlying condition and also documents unspecified diabetic retinopathy. This is appropriate for ophthalmology or primary care notes that confirm diabetic eye disease but do not classify the retinopathy type. Verify that the diabetes is secondary, not type 1 or type 2.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the record does not link diabetes to an underlying condition. Do not use it for diabetic retinopathy that is specified as proliferative or nonproliferative, or when documentation is incomplete.
Coding tip
Check the causal relationship and eye-disease wording carefully before assigning E08.31.