Endocrine Listings: Diabetes and Its Complications

Conditions covered

This section includes diabetes and other hormone-related disorders. Depending on the evidence, complications may involve vision, kidneys, nerves, the heart, skin, digestion, or mental functioning.

Key listings in Section 9.00

• 9.00 — Endocrine disorders

  Provides evaluation rules; it does not create a separate adult listing for diabetes itself.

• 2.00, 4.00, 5.00, 6.00, 8.00, 11.00, and 12.00 — Listings for affected body systems

  SSA evaluates complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, neuropathy, and heart or digestive problems under the relevant system.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

• Records should identify the endocrine condition and document each complication with the relevant specialist notes, examinations, laboratory results, imaging, and treatment history.
• For diabetes, evidence may include glucose-related records, medication and insulin history, episodes of severe complications, and documentation of effects on other body systems.
• SSA considers the combined effects of the underlying condition and its complications; a clear timeline can help connect symptoms, treatment, and functional changes.

If the listing is not met

If no affected-body-system listing is met or medically equaled, SSA still assesses the combined functional effects of the endocrine disorder and its complications. A diagnosis by itself does not establish a specific RFC.

Those limits are considered at Steps 4 and 5, including how symptoms, treatment, and complications affect reliability, attendance, exertion, and other work activities.

Related resources

• Diabetes and Social Security disability claims
• See the five-step disability process
• Read about residual functional capacity (RFC)
• Explore the Medical-Vocational Grid Rules
• Browse common condition guides
• Find SSA hearing offices