ICD-10 Code E08.35 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E08.35 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
What it is
This code identifies diabetes that occurs because of another underlying condition, with proliferative diabetic retinopathy as a documented complication. Use it when the record links the diabetes and the eye disease together.
Clinical signs
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is characterized by retinal neovascularization and related diabetic eye changes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially ophthalmology findings that confirm the proliferative stage.
When to use this code
Use E08.35 when the provider documents diabetes due to another condition and specifically states proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Code it from the encounter record, not from assumed diabetic eye disease.
It may appear in problem lists, ophthalmology assessments, or diabetes follow-up notes when the linkage is explicit. If the underlying condition or retinopathy stage is unclear, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for diabetes without a documented underlying cause or for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. If proliferative retinopathy is not specified, check documentation.
Coding tip
Always verify that both the secondary diabetes and proliferative retinopathy are documented together before coding E08.35.