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Progress made in T1D science has led to the ability to identify T1D early – before being symptomatic and before insulin is required (referred to as Stage 2 T1D). Identification is accomplished by a simple blood test that looks for T1D autoantibodies indicating the body’s immune system has begun attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This early-detection screening was an important step for T1D research and patient healthcare, as it could help lead to the development of treatment therapies to delay or even prevent the onset of insulin-dependent T1D. One such therapy developed was Teplizumab, approved by the FDA two years ago for T1D. Teplizumab, or TZield, has been proven to delay the progression of T1D from stage 2 to stage 3 (the stage of clinical diagnosis and insulin dependence) by up to three years. However, for a clinician to diagnose and treat patients without an existing diagnosis code in their records was problematic, leaving them with limited options and inaccurate patient records.
This problem was finally resolved in October 2024 when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a new ICD-10 diagnosis code for Stage 2 type 1 diabetes: ICD-10 code E10.A2. (E10: Represents the code for “Type 1 diabetes mellitus” and A2: indicates “pre-symptomatic, Stage 2”.)
While this may seem like just a technical record-keeping detail, it actually has major implications for patient care. By accurately identifying this diagnosis in a patient’s medical records at this critical early stage of T1D, healthcare providers can better monitor the disease’s progression and treat patients accordingly, reducing the risk of life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and improving patient outcomes. Enhancing our understanding and management of stage 2 T1D can also open doors for the development of next generation T1D prevention therapies.
The designation of ICD-10 code E10.A2 is a big win for T1D healthcare!
