Clinical UM Guideline
Subject: Outpatient Laboratory-based Blood Glucose Testing
Guideline #: CG-LAB-30 Publish Date: 10/01/2024
Status: Revised Last Review Date: 05/09/2024
Description

This document addresses laboratory testing to determine blood glucose concentration. Blood glucose determination may be done using whole blood, serum, or plasma. This document does not address blood glucose testing in the hospital or emergency department settings. This document also does not address self-testing of blood glucose monitoring (BGM) using test strips.

For information regarding other methods to assess glycemic control for individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), see:

Clinical Indications

Medically Necessary:

Blood glucose testing is considered medically necessary for individuals who meet any of the following criteria (A through Q):

  1. Signs or symptoms of either of the following:
    1. Hypoglycemia; or
    2. Hyperglycemia; or
  2. Overweight or obesity* of any age; or
  3. From a population with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus**; or
  4. Impaired fasting glucose has been found on other testing; or
  5. Pregnant and considered to be at high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus; or
  6. Prior testing at least 3 months previously showed abnormal blood glucose results; or
  7. Insulin resistance syndrome; or
  8. Carbohydrate intolerance; or
  9. Hypoglycemia disorders, such as nesidioblastosis or insulinoma; or
  10. Catabolic or malnutrition states; or
  11. Tuberculosis; or
  12. Unexplained chronic or recurrent infection; or
  13. Alcohol use disorder; or
  14. Coronary artery disease; or
  15. Unexplained skin conditions (including pruritis, local skin infections, ulceration and gangrene without an established cause); or
  16. Chronic glucocorticoid therapy; or
  17. To evaluate glycemic status for individuals with established diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes when done no more often than the following test frequencies:
    1. Up to once yearly for individuals with prediabetes; or
    2. Up to two times per year for individuals with diabetes mellitus who are meeting treatment goals; or
    3. Within the first year postpartum and then up to once yearly for individuals who have had gestational diabetes.

Notes:
See the Discussion section below for more information about:
*ADA, ACOG, and USPSTF recommendations about individuals who have overweight or obesity; and
** Populations with high prevalence of diabetes mellitus.

Not Medically Necessary:

Blood glucose testing is considered not medically necessary when the criteria above are not met and for all other indications.

Coding

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this guideline are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

When services are Medically Necessary:

CPT

 

82947

Glucose; quantitative, blood (except reagent strip)

82948

Glucose; blood, reagent strip

82962

Glucose; blood by glucose monitoring device(s) cleared by the FDA-specifically for home use

 

 

ICD-10 Diagnosis

 

A15.0-A19.9

Tuberculosis

A20.0-A49.9

Certain zoonotic/other bacterial diseases

B25.0-B49

Other viral diseases, mycoses

B77.0-B78.9

Ascariasis, Strongyloidiasis

C25.4

Malignant neoplasm of endocrine pancreas

C48.0

Malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum

D13.7

Benign neoplasm of endocrine pancreas

E03.0-E05.91

Other hypothyroidism, other nontoxic goiter, thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism)

E08.00-E13.9

Diabetes mellitus

E15-E16.A3

Other disorders of glucose regulation and pancreatic internal secretion

E22.0-E24.9

Hyperfunction, hypofunction and other disorders of the pituitary gland, Cushing’s syndrome

E28.2

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

E34.00-E34.9

Other endocrine disorders

E40-E46

Malnutrition

E63.0-E64.9

Other nutritional deficiencies, sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies

E66.01-E66.9

Overweight and obesity

E72.50-E72.59

Disorders of glycine metabolism

E73.0-E74.9

Lactose intolerance, other disorders of carbohydrate metabolism

E75.26

Sulfatase deficiency

E77.0-E79.9

Disorders of glycoprotein/lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias, disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism

E83.10-E83.19

Disorders of iron metabolism

E86.0-E88.9

Volume depletion, other disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance, other and unspecified metabolic disorders

E89.1

Postprocedural hypoinsulinemia

E89.3

Postprocedural hypopituitarism

F05-F09

Delirium, other mental, mood, personality and behavioral disorders due to known physiological condition

F10.10-F10.99

Alcohol related disorders

F20.0-F21

Schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder

F25.0-F25.9

Schizoaffective disorders

F31.0-F31.9

Bipolar disorder

G40.001-G40.919

Epilepsy and recurrent seizures

G56.00-G59

Mononeuropathies

G60.0-G63

Hereditary and idiopathic, inflammatory, other and unspecified polyneuropathies

G90.01-G90.B

Disorders of autonomic nervous system

G93.31-G93.49

Postviral and related fatigue syndromes, other and unspecified encephalopathy

H01.001-H02.9

Blepharitis, other disorders of eyelid

H10.821-H10.829

Rosacea conjunctivitis

H25.011-H26.9

Age-related, other cataract

H35.00-H36.89

Other retinal disorders, retinopathy

H40.001-H42

Glaucoma

H47.331-H47.339

Pseudopapilledema of optic disc

H49.00-H49.9

Paralytic strabismus

H52.00-H53.9

Disorders of refraction and accommodation, visual disturbances

I10-I1A.0

Hypertensive diseases

I20.0-I25.9

Ischemic heart disease

I42.0-I43

Cardiomyopathy

I50.1-I5A

Heart failure, non-ischemic myocardial injury (non-traumatic)

I70.201-I70.92

Atheerosclerosis of native arteries or bypass grafts of the extremities

I73.01

Raynaud’s syndrome with gangrene

I95.1

Orthostatic hypotension

I96

Gangrene, not elsewhere classified

J02.0-J02.9

Acute pharyngitis

J12.0-J18.9

Pneumonia

J20.0-J20.9

Acute bronchitis

J40-J44.9

Bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

K11.7

Disturbances of salivary secretion

K12.0-K12.39

Stomatitis and related lesions

K29.00-K30

Gastritis and duodenitis, functional dyspepsia

K52.0-K52.9

Other and unspecified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

K59.31-K59.39

Megacolon, not elsewhere classified

K70.0-K77

Diseases of liver

K80.00-K87

Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas

L00-L08.9

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

L29.0-L29.9

Pruritus

L68.0-L68.9

Hypertrichosis

L74.4

Anhidrosis

L89.000-L89.96

Pressure ulcer

L92.0-L92.9

Granulomatous disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

L97.101-L97.929

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified

L98.0-L99

Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue, not elsewhere classified

M04.1-M04.9

Autoinflammatory syndromes>

M60.000-M60.9

Myositis

M79.0-M79.9

Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified

M86.00-M86.9

Osteomyelitis

N10-N16

Renal tubule-interstitial diseases

N28.84-N28.86

Pyelitis/pyeloureteritis/ureteritis cystica

N30.00-N30.91

Cystitis,

N34.0-N34.3

Urethritis and urethral syndrome

N35.111-N35.119

Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male

N39.0

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N45.1-N45.4

Orchitis and epididymitis

N52.01-N53.9

 

N70.01-N77.1

Inflammatory diseases of female pelvic organs

N91.0-N92.6

Absent, scanty and rare menstruation; excessive, frequent and irregular menstruation

N97.0-N97.9

Female infertility

O09.00-O09.93

Supervision of high risk pregnancy

O10.011-O16.9

Edema, proteinuria and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

O24.011-O24.93

Pre-existing, gestational or unspecified diabetes in pregnancy

O30.001-O48.1

Maternal care related to the fetus and amniotic cavity and possible delivery problems

O99.210-O99.215

Obesity complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

O99.810-O99.815

Abnormal glucose complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

P05.00-P07.39

Disorders of newborn related to slow fetal growth and fetal malnutrition, short gestation and low birth weight

P37.0

Congenital tuberculosis

P78.84

Gestational alloimmune liver disease

R00.0-R00.9

Abnormalities of heart beat

R06.00-R06.9

Abnormalities of breathing

R07.0-R07.9

Pain in throat and chest

R15.0-R19.8

Fecal incontinence, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, jaundice, ascites, other symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

R20.0-R20.9

Disturbances of skin sensation

R25.0-R27.9

Abnormal involuntary movements, abnormalities of gait, other lack of coordination

R29.0-R29.91

Other symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems

R35.0-R35.89

Polyuria

R40.0-R42

Somnolence, stupor and coma, other symptoms and signs involving cognitive function and awareness, dizziness and giddiness

R45.0-R45.89

Symptoms and signs involving emotional state

R53.0-R56.9

Malaise and fatigue, age-related physical debility, syncope and collapse, convulsions

R61

Generalized hyperhidrosis

R62.0-R62.59

Delayed milestone/other and unspecified lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood

R63.0-R64

Symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intake, cachexia

R68.2

Dry mouth, unspecified

R73.01-R73.9

Elevated blood glucose level

R78.71-R78.79

Finding of abnormal level of heavy metals in blood

R79.89-R79.9

Abnormal findings of blood chemistry, other or unspecified

R80.0-R81

Proteinuria, glycosuria

S02.0XXA-S02.92XS

Fracture of skull and facial bones

S92.001A-S92.919S

Fracture of foot and toe, except ankle

S99.001A-S99.929S

Other and unspecified injuries of ankle and foot

T38.3X1A-T38.3X4S

Poisoning by insulin and oral hypoglycemic [antidiabetic] drugs

T43.3X5A-T43.3X5S

Adverse effect of phenothiazine antipsychotics and neuroleptics

T43.505A-T43.505S

Adverse effect of unspecified antipsychotics and neuroleptics

T43.595A-T43.595S

Adverse effect of other antipsychotics and neuroleptics

T46.6X5A-T46.6X5S

Adverse effect of antihyperlipidemic and antiarteriosclerotic drugs

T82.855A-T82.856S

Stenosis of coronary artery stent, peripheral vascular stent

U07.1

COVID-19

U09.9

Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified

Z05.0-Z05.9

Encounter for observation and evaluation of newborn for suspected diseases and conditions ruled out

Z08-Z09

Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasms, for conditions other than malignant neoplasm

Z13.1

Encounter for screening for diabetes mellitus

Z19.1-Z19.2

Hormone sensitivity malignancy status

Z68.23-Z68.45

Body mass index [BMI] 23.0-70 or greater, adult

Z68.53-Z68.56

Body mass index [BMI] pediatric, 85th percentile to greater than or equal to 140% of the 95th percentile for age

Z79.01-Z79.899

Long term (current) drug therapy

Z83.3

Family history of diabetes mellitus

Z83.430-Z83.438

Family history of other disorder of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

Z84.82

Family history of sudden infant death syndrome

Z86.31-Z86.39

Personal history of endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

When services are Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure codes listed above for all other indications.

Discussion/General Information

Glucose is the most important source of cellular energy in the human body. Blood levels of glucose are tightly controlled through the interaction of several hormones and peptides produced in the brain, pancreas, liver, intestines, muscles, and adipose tissue. Disturbance in this regulatory system results in diabetes mellitus (DM), a disease in which an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion leads to elevated levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). DM has the potential to cause severe and sometimes fatal acute or chronic medical complications. The onset of DM is often slow, with a period of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism known as prediabetes often preceding the development of DM. Treatment of prediabetes may prevent or delay the development of DM and optimal DM treatment can prevent or delay development of these complications.

Proactive management of DM requires regular determinations of blood glucose levels, and blood glucose testing can also be used to screen for or to diagnose prediabetes and DM. Effective January 1, 2005, Medicare expanded coverage to diabetic screening services. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Coverage Determination for blood glucose testing:

Blood glucose determination may be done using whole blood, serum or plasma. It may be sampled by capillary puncture, as in the fingerstick method, or by vein puncture or arterial sampling. The method for assay may be by color comparison of an indicator stick, by meter assay of whole blood or a filtrate of whole blood, using a device approved for home monitoring, or by using a laboratory assay system using serum or plasma. The convenience of the meter or stick color method allows a patient to have access to blood glucose values in less than a minute or so and has become a standard of care for control of blood glucose, even in the inpatient setting.

Many medical conditions may be a consequence of a sustained elevated or depressed glucose level. These include comas, seizures or epilepsy, confusion, abnormal hunger, abnormal weight loss or gain, and loss of sensation. Evaluation of glucose may also be indicated in patients on medications known to affect carbohydrate metabolism.

Frequent home blood glucose testing by diabetic patients should be encouraged. In stable, non-hospitalized patients who are unable or unwilling to do home monitoring, it may be reasonable and necessary to measure quantitative blood glucose up to four times annually. Depending upon the age of the patient, type of diabetes, degree of control, complications of diabetes, and other co-morbid conditions, more frequent testing than four times annually may be reasonable and necessary.

In some patients presenting with nonspecific signs, symptoms, or diseases not normally associated with disturbances in glucose metabolism, a single blood glucose test may be medically necessary. Repeat testing may not be indicated unless abnormal results are found or unless there is a change in clinical condition. If repeat testing is performed, a specific diagnosis code (e.g., diabetes) should be reported to support medical necessity. However, repeat testing may be indicated where results are normal in patients with conditions where there is a confirmed continuing risk of glucose metabolism abnormality (e.g., monitoring glucocorticoid therapy) (CMS, 2005).

Some forms of blood glucose screening covered under this national coverage determination may be subject to specified frequencies.

According to CMS, additional conditions may predispose to hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic states including:

  1. Impaired fasting glucose (FPG 110-125 mg/dL); 
  2. Insulin resistance syndrome; 
  3. Carbohydrate intolerance (excessive rise in glucose following ingestion of glucose or glucose sources of food); 
  4. Hypoglycemia disorders, such as nesidioblastosis or insulinoma;
  5. Catabolic or malnutrition states; 
  6. Tuberculosis; 
  7. Unexplained chronic or recurrent infections; 
  8. Alcoholism; 
  9. Coronary artery disease; 
  10. Unexplained skin conditions (including pruritis, local skin infections, ulceration and gangrene without an established cause).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2023 National Diabetes Statistics Report, an estimated 19% of all US adults have DM and 38% meet criteria for prediabetes. The prevalence of prediabetes and DM are higher in older adults. Of persons with DM, 21.4% were not aware of, or did not report, having DM, and only 19% of persons with prediabetes reported being told by a health professional that they had this condition. Estimates of the risk of progression from prediabetes to DM vary widely, perhaps because of variation in the definition of prediabetes or the heterogeneity of prediabetes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reports that the risk of developing DM increases with increasing HbA1c level and with increasing body mass index (BMI).

It is especially important to detect and tightly control DM during pregnancy. Suboptimal glycemic control has been well established as a cause for numerous poor health outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, fetal anomalies, preeclampsia, fetal demise, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Diabetes in pregnancy also increases risks for chronic illnesses in the offspring’s later life, including obesity, type 2 DM, and hypertension (ADA, 2023).

Populations at Increased Risk to Develop Diabetes Mellitus.

The development of diabetes is influenced by multiple factors (ADA, 2024). Among these factors, being overweight or having obesity are the strongest risk factors for developing prediabetes and type 2 DM in adults. Obesity has been shown to play a major role in the development of diabetes, with one study finding a 100-fold increase in risk for individuals with a BMI >35 kg/m2 (36). This risk increases with age (Biggs, 2010). Other significant factors include smoking, with active smokers having an average 1.5-fold increased risk of developing diabetes. There is a direct correlation between the frequency of smoking and risk, with more frequent smokers having increased risk (Willi, 2007). Family history is also a significant risk factor. Having a first degree relative with diabetes is associated with a two to three-fold increased risk of developing diabetes. Individuals with both maternal and paternal family history of diabetes have a 5-to-6-fold increase in their risk of developing diabetes. (InterAct Consortium, 2015; Meigs, 2000). Ethnicity may also significantly increase risks for the development of diabetes. Individuals of Asian, Hispanic, and Black heritage have an almost 2-fold increase in risk. (Menke, 2015; Shai, 2006). Many medications impair glucose tolerance and place individuals at increased risk for developing complications including overweight, obesity, diabetes, and diabetic ketoacidosis. These medications include statins, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and others (ADA, 2024; Brooks, 2009; Bobes, 2003; Cooper, 2016; Elena, 2018; Holt, 2019; Leslie, 2004; Sattar, 2023). Periodic blood glucose monitoring is indicated for these individuals to detect and manage their risks for diabetes and its complications.

Measurement and monitoring of blood glucose in populations at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus is considered a key metric in quality healthcare. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an organization responsible for the accreditation of most U.S. health plans, includes blood glucose measurement as a key quality indicator in the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures (NCQA, 2023). The HEDIS measures specifically evaluate the use of blood glucose testing measurement in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who are treated with antipsychotic medications.

Screening for Prediabetes and Type 2 DM

Screening asymptomatic adults for prediabetes and type 2 DM may allow earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment, with the goal of improving health outcomes.

Overweight and obesity are the strongest risk factors for developing prediabetes and type 2 DM in adults. Other risk factors include older age, family history, history of gestational diabetes, history of polycystic ovarian syndrome, and dietary and lifestyle factors. The prevalence of DM is higher among American Indian/Alaska Native (14.7%), Asian American (9.2%), Hispanic American/Latino (12.5%), and non-Hispanic Black American (11.7%) persons than among non-Hispanic White American (7.5%) persons. Disparities in DM prevalence are thought to be the result of a variety of factors. A large body of evidence demonstrates strong associations between prevalence of DM and social factors, such as socioeconomic status, food environment, and physical environment.

The USPSTF is a panel of experts appointed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to evaluate evidence and produce recommendations for preventive health services. In 2021, USPSTF produced an update to their evaluation and recommendations for screening for prediabetes and type 2 DM. Their recommended screening tests for these purposes include measurement of fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c level or an oral glucose tolerance test (USPSTF, 2021[a]).

The 2021 USPSTF document made only one graded recommendation for screening for prediabetes and type 2 DM:

This recommendation is supported by evidence cited in the published article. Grade B recommendations indicate that the USPSTF has found at least fair evidence that the service improves important health outcomes, concludes that benefits outweigh harms, and that the USPSTF recommends that clinicians provide the service to eligible individuals. (USPSTF Grade Definitions)

USPSTF also made an ungraded recommendation concerning the optimal screening interval for adults. Although they note that the evidence is uncertain, they cite cohort and modeling studies that suggest screening every 3 years may be a reasonable approach for adults with normal blood glucose levels. Screening should include an assessment of risk including height and weight measurements to determine whether the individual has overweight or obesity. They define overweight and obesity as a BMI ≥ 25 and ≥ 30, respectively.

Another ungraded recommendation in the 2021 USPSTF document is to screen individuals who have overweight or obesity and are younger than 35 if they are from a population with a disproportionately high prevalence of DM. They define these populations as American Indian, Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, Latino, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders. Noting studies showing that a difference in body fat composition in some persons of Asian descent may result in underestimations of risk, based on BMI thresholds used to define overweight in the US, they recommend that a BMI of 23 or greater may be an appropriate cutoff point for Asian Americans.

The ADA 2024 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes provide a grade B recommendation that screening of asymptomatic adults for prediabetes and DM should be done with an informal assessment of risk factors or with an assessment questionnaire provided in their document. An ADA grade B recommendation indicates that it is supported by evidence from well-conducted cohort studies.

The ADA makes a stronger (grade A) recommendation for this interview-based screening of children with an identified DM risk factor and with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 85th percentile or ≥ 95th percentile, respectively). Screening of children should begin after the onset of puberty or at age 10, whichever occurs sooner. The identified risk factors may include:

An ADA grade A recommendation indicates that it is supported by clear evidence from well-conducted, generalizable randomized controlled trials that are adequately powered.

The ADA also recommends blood tests for adults who have overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or ≥ 23 kg/m2 in Asian Americans) and who have one or more of the following risk factors:

The ADA states that testing can be done by fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour glucose tolerance testing, or with an HbA1c level. (Evidence grade B; ADA, 2024)

In addition to the risk factors identified above by the ADA, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) identifies the following risk factors as indications to perform a screening test for individuals with obesity or overweight at their first prenatal visit (ACOG, 2018):

ACOG states that the best screening test for type-2 DM or early GDM has not been established. They refer to ADA’s statement that HbA1c can be used for early pregnancy type-2 DM screening, but that HbA1c may not be suitable for use alone in this setting because it is less sensitive than glucose tolerance testing. (ACOG, 2018)

ACOG recommends that “All pregnant women should be screened for GDM with a laboratory-based screening test(s) using blood glucose levels.” They concur with the ADA that GDM screening should be done at 24-28 weeks. (ACOG, 2018)

USPSTF provided updated guidance on screening for GDM in 2021 (USPSTF, 2021[b]). This document makes a grade B recommendation to screen asymptomatic pregnant persons at or after 24 weeks of gestation. A separate grade I (insufficient information) recommendation stated that “The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant persons before 24 weeks of gestation.” (USPSTF, 2021)

The ADA (2024) recommends repeat testing at least every 3 years for individuals who have normal screening test results and for individuals who have had GDM. Individuals who have prediabetes (A1C ≥ 5.7% [39 mmol/mol], impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glucose) should be tested yearly. They recommend testing more frequently if initial results are near thresholds or if the individual’s risk status changes. The testing frequency recommendation is given a grade of C, indicating that it is supported by poorly controlled or uncontrolled studies.

The ADA recommends that all individuals who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant receive interview-based screening with testing done if risk factors are identified (grade B recommendation; ADA, 2023). They also make a Grade E recommendation to consider testing all pregnant individuals at their first prenatal visit. An ADA evidence grade of E indicates that it is based on expert consensus or clinical experience. They emphasize the importance of screening individuals in populations at high risk for DM as noted above. Also, as noted above, testing in follow-up to risk screening can be done by fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour glucose tolerance testing, or with an HbA1c level (Evidence grade B). Individuals whose early pregnancy test shows impaired glucose metabolism should be monitored as noted in the section below on monitoring glycemic control.

When the initial screen and test (if done) are negative, individuals who are pregnant should universally receive rescreening between 24- and 28-weeks’ gestation with an oral glucose tolerance test, or with a glucose loading test followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. The ADA notes that an HbA1c level done at 15 weeks gestation or later is not a reliable indicator of gestational DM or of preexisting DM.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) published a practice parameter for the use of atypical antipsychotic medications in children and adolescents in 2011. That document stated the following:

Recommendation 12. Careful attention should be given to the increased risk of developing diabetes with the use of AAA, and blood glucose levels and other parameters should be obtained at baseline and monitored at regular intervals [CS].

Adult studies have found an association between the development of diabetes/abnormal glucose regulation and the use of AAAs. There is also evidence to suggest that the development of diabetes is not only directly related to weight gain. Therefore, careful monitoring for diabetes, through close attention to the clinical signs and symptoms of diabetes, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and, as needed, hemoglobin A1C is warranted.

The AACAP also published their practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia in 2013, which cite and support the ADA guidelines (McClellan, 2013).

Diagnosis of Prediabetes and DM

A DM diagnosis can be confirmed in the presence of classic symptoms and a random plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL (ADA, 2024 diagnosis standard). Classic DM symptoms include polyuria, polydipsia, thirst, and weight loss. The diagnosis should be considered in the presence of less pronounced symptoms when there is hyperglycemia. In this circumstance, the ADA recommends that the serologic confirmation should be made with two tests. These two tests can be from the same or from different samples and can be of the same or different test type. Test types used in diagnosing DM include the HbA1c level, fasting plasma glucose, or a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. A random plasma glucose test should only be considered confirmatory in the presence of classic symptoms.

The ADA (2024) recommends the following diagnostic test findings criteria for screening and diagnosis of DM or prediabetes:

 

Prediabetes

Diabetes

HbA1c

5.7–6.4% (39–47 mmol/mol)* 

≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol)*

Fasting plasma glucose 

100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)* 

≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) 

2-hour plasma glucose during 75-g oral

glucose tolerance test 

140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L)* 

≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) 

Random plasma glucose 

— 

≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) 

*For all three tests, risk is continuous, extending below the lower limit of the range and becoming disproportionately greater at the higher end of the range.
In the absence of unequivocal hyperglycemia, diagnosis requires two abnormal test results from the same sample or in two separate samples.
Only diagnostic in a patient with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or hyperglycemic crisis.

The ADA recommends close follow-up and repeat testing in 3–6 months when the initial test result is near a diagnostic threshold.

Monitoring Glycemic Control

The 2023 ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (ADA, 2024) provides recommendations for monitoring glycemic control in individuals with DM. Options for this monitoring include measurement of HbA1c, self-monitored blood glucose monitoring, or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). They point out that the clinical trials demonstrating the benefits of improved glycemic control used HbA1c as the measure of that control.

The ADA notes several issues that can affect the reliability of HbA1c testing in pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with faster RBC turnover. This can artifactually lower the HbA1c level. As a measure of glycemic control over long periods of time, HbA1c measurement does not detect the postprandial hyperglycemia that is thought to cause macrosomia. For these reasons, the ADA recommends that self-monitored blood glucose should be the primary indicator of glycemic control in pregnancy. HbA1c levels can be used as a secondary measure of glycemic control (ADA 2023). Both ADA and ACOG recommend testing individuals who have had gestational diabetes within the first year postpartum and then up to once yearly thereafter (ADA, 2024 ACOG, 2018).

Definitions

Acanthosis nigricans: A skin pigmentation problem characterized by dark, velvety, and thick patches of skin usually formed in the skin folds and creases.

Diabetes can be classified into the following general categories:

Diabetic ketoacidosis: A complication of diabetes that results from increased levels of a chemical called ketones in the blood. It causes excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and vomiting. Urgent medical attention is usually recommended.

Insulin resistance syndrome: A condition where tissues have a diminished ability to respond to the action of insulin. To compensate for resistance, the pancreas secretes more insulin. Insulin-resistant persons, therefore, have high plasma insulin levels. The syndrome can be defined as a cluster of abnormalities, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes, that are associated with insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia.

Insulinoma: A pancreatic tumor comprised of beta cells that secrete insulin.

Nesidioblastosis: A rare hypoglycemia syndrome related to pancreatic beta cell hypertrophy and an increase in the size and number of pancreatic islets. Also known as noninsulinoma pancreaticogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPS).

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (also known as PCOS):  The most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is named after the characteristic cysts which may form on the ovaries. Causes are believed to be genetic or environmental. Treatment involves exercise and weight loss.

Type 1 diabetes: Diabetes that is due to autoimmune β-cell destruction, usually leading to absolute insulin deficiency, including latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood.

Type 2 diabetes: Diabetes that is due to a progressive loss of adequate β-cell insulin secretion frequently in the background of insulin resistance.

Specific types of diabetes due to other causes: Includes monogenic diabetes syndromes (such as neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young), diseases of the exocrine pancreas (such as cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis), and drug- or chemical-induced diabetes, (such as with glucocorticoid use, in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, or after organ transplantation).

Gestational diabetes mellitus: Diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation (ADA, 2024).

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c [also referred to as glycohemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c, HbA1, or A1C]): HbA1c, also called A1C, is a measure of the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells. The A1C test is used to monitor the glucose levels of patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Macrosomia: A condition in which a newborn baby is born much larger than average for their gestational age. At full term, a weight of more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces is considered macrosomia. This condition is commonly caused by medical conditions of the mother during the pregnancy, such as obesity or diabetes. Additional causes are related to genetics or a medical condition in the newborn.

References

Peer Reviewed Publications:

  1. Biggs ML, Mukamal KJ, Luchsinger JA, et al. Association between adiposity in midlife and older age and risk of diabetes in older adults. JAMA. 2010; 303:2504.
  2. Bobes J, Rejas J, Garcia-Garcia M, et al.; EIRE Study Group. Weight gain in patients with schizophrenia treated with risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine or haloperidol: results of the EIRE study. Schizophr Res. 2003; 62(1-2):77-88.
  3. Brooks JO 3rd, Chang HS, Krasnykh O. Metabolic risks in older adults receiving second-generation antipsychotic medication. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2009; 11(1):33-40.
  4. Cooper SJ, Reynolds GP, et al. BAP guidelines on the management of weight gain, metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular risk associated with psychosis and antipsychotic drug treatment. J Psychopharmacol. 2016 Aug;30(8):717-748.
  5. de Jong M, Woodward M, Peters SAE. Diabetes, glycated hemoglobin, and the risk of myocardial infarction in women and men: A prospective cohort study of the UK Biobank. Diabetes Care. 2020; 43:2050–2059.
  6. Elena C, Chiara M, Angelica B, et al. Hyperglycemia and diabetes induced by glucocorticoids in nondiabetic and diabetic patients: revision of literature and personal considerations. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2018; 19(15):1210-1220.
  7. Holt RIG. Association between antipsychotic medication use and diabetes. Curr Diab Rep. 2019; 19(10):96.
  8. Leslie DL, Rosenheck RA. Incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes attributable to atypical antipsychotic medications. Am J Psychiatry. 2004;161(9):1709-1711.
  9. Meigs JB, Cupples LA, Wilson PW. Parental transmission of type 2 diabetes: the Framingham Offspring Study. Diabetes. 2000; 49:2201.
  10. Menke A, Casagrande S, Geiss L, Cowie CC. Prevalence of and Trends in Diabetes Among Adults in the United States, 1988-2012. JAMA . 2015; 314:1021.
  11. Sattar N. Statins and diabetes: What are the connections? Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023; 37(3):101749.
  12. Shai I, Jiang R, Manson JE, et al. Ethnicity, obesity, and risk of type 2 diabetes in women: a 20-year follow-up study. Diabetes Care. 2006; 29:1585.
  13. Willi C, Bodenmann P, Ghali WA, et al. Active smoking and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2007; 298:2654.
  14. Ziegler AG, Rewers M, Simell O, et al. Seroconversion to multiple islet autoantibodies and risk of progression to diabetes in children. JAMA. 2013; 309:2473–2479.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

  1. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Practice parameter for the use of atypical antipsychotic medications in children and adolescent. 2011. Available at: https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/docs/practice_parameters/Atypical_antipsychotic_Medications_Web.pdf. Accessed on May 3, 2024.
  2. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Practice Bulletin Gestational Diabetes. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2018; 131(2):e49-e64.
  3. American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes.. Diabetes Care. 2024; (47):1-321.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2023 National Diabetes Statistics Report. Last Reviewed: November 29, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html. Accessed on May 3, 2024.
  5. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). National Coverage Determination: Blood glucose testing. NCD #190.20. Effective January 1, 2005. Available at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=98&ncdver=2&chapter=all&sortBy=title&bc=18. Accessed on May 3, 20243.
  6. Jones LV, Ray A, Moy FM, Buckley BS. Update in techniques of monitoring blood glucose during pregnancy for women with pre-existing diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019; 5(5):CD009613.
  7. McClellan J, Stock S; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Committee on Quality Issues (CQI). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013; 52(9):976-990.
  8. National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS). 2023. Available at: https://www.ncqa.org/hedis/. Accessed on May 3, 2024.
  9. United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Final recommendation statement for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: Screening. August 24, 2021(a). Available at: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-for-prediabetes-and-type-2-diabetes#:~:text=Screening%20every%203%20years%20may,with%20normal%20blood%20glucose%20levels Accessed on May 3, 2024.
  10. United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Screening for Gestational Diabetes. JAMA. August 10, 2021(b); 326(6):531-538.
Websites for Additional Information
  1. American Diabetes Association. Information about diabetes and A1C. Available at: Understanding A1C | ADA (diabetes.org). Accessed on May 3, 2024.
  2. United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). 2018. Grade definitions. Available at:  https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/about-uspstf/methods-and-processes/grade-definitions#:~:text=B%20%2D%20Recommended%3A%20The%20USPSTF%20recommends,concludes%20that%20benefits%20outweigh%20harms. Accessed May 3, 2024.
Index

Blood glucose testing
Hemoglobin,
Hyperglycemia

The use of specific product names is illustrative only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available.

History

Status

Date

Action

  10/14/2024 Updated Coding section to add G90.B, H36.89 and I1A.0 to end of ranges.
  10/01/2024 Updated Coding section with 10/01/2024 ICD-10-CM changes; added E16.A3 to end of range, E34.00 replacing E34.0, and Z68.56 to end of range.

Revised

05/09/2024

Medical Policy & Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) review. Revised note in Clinical Indications section. Revised Discussion, References, and Websites sections.

 

01/03/2024

Revised note regarding populations at high risk for diabetes. Updated Description, Discussion, and References sections. Updated Coding section, added ICD-10-CM codes F20.0-F21, F25.0-F25.9, F31.0-F31.9, T43.3X5A-T43.3X5S, T43.505A-T43.505S, T43.595A-T43.595S, T46.6X5A-T46.6X5S.

New

05/11/2023

MPTAC review. Initial document development.

 


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