ICD-10 Code E11.21 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E11.21 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy
What it is
E11.21 identifies type 2 diabetes with kidney damage caused by diabetic nephropathy. Use it when the record links chronic kidney disease or nephropathy directly to diabetes.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the chart may show diabetic kidney disease, proteinuria, or chronic renal impairment attributed to diabetes.
When to use this code
Use E11.21 when the provider documents diabetic nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, or diabetes causing nephropathy. It applies when the renal condition is clearly linked to type 2 diabetes. If the record only says diabetes and kidney disease without a stated relationship, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for type 1 diabetes, or for kidney disease that is not documented as diabetic nephropathy. Do not assume the cause is diabetes if the link is not stated.
Coding tip
Verify that the provider explicitly connects the kidney disorder to diabetes before assigning E11.21.