ICD-10 Code E88.81 – Metabolic syndrome and other insulin resistance (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E88.81 – Metabolic syndrome and other insulin resistance
What it is
This code identifies metabolic syndrome or another documented insulin resistance disorder. Use it when the record states insulin resistance, insulin resistance syndrome, or metabolic syndrome without a more specific diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include central obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and abnormal glucose metabolism, but the diagnosis should match the provider’s documented assessment.
When to use this code
Use E88.81 when the clinician explicitly documents metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance and no more specific code is available. It may also fit when the note describes insulin resistance syndrome or a related metabolic disorder. Check documentation if the chart lists only risk factors without a stated diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for diabetes mellitus, obesity alone, or isolated abnormal lab findings without a documented insulin resistance diagnosis. Check documentation if the provider names a different endocrine or metabolic condition.
Coding tip
Assign the code only when the diagnosis is clearly stated in the assessment or problem list, not from suspicion alone.