High blood sugar levels in the morning might be attributed to the dawn phenomenon and the Somogyi effect
People with diabetes may experience high blood glucose (sugar) levels in the morning and this can be attributed to the dawn phenomenon or the Somogyi effect. Read on to find out more about these two phenomena and how they influence your blood sugar levels.
Sleep and blood sugar levels
Your body uses glucose, a type of sugar, for energy. Glucose is released into your bloodstream. It is the hormone insulin’s job to transport glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells.
When you’re asleep your body does not need as much energy but when it readies itself to wake up, your liver releases glucose that it has stored into your bloodstream. This should trigger the release of insulin so that the glucose can be transported to the cells.
The problem is that people with diabetes do not make enough insulin or are insulin resistant. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream and so people with diabetes will have high blood sugar levels in the morning.
The Dawn Phenomenon
Your liver naturally releases glucose between 3 am and 8 am. People with diabetes wake up with high blood sugar levels because of a lack of insulin or insulin resistance.
The Somogyi effect
Some scientists dispute whether the Somogyi effect is a real phenomenon but a lot of people with diabetes seem to be affected by it.
The Somogyi effect also causes a rise in blood sugar levels early in the morning. The rise in blood sugar levels is not because your body is readying itself to wake up, rather it happens because your blood sugar levels dropped sharply while you were sleeping, and your body reacts by releasing hormones that inhibit insulin. Because of the hormones’ interference, you’ll wake up with high blood sugar levels.
The Somogyi effect is attributed to various factors like taking too much insulin or diabetes medications before going to bed or not eating a sufficient evening meal.
How do I know if I’m affected by the Dawn phenomenon or the Somogyi effect?
To know if you are affected by one of these occurrences, you must check your blood sugar levels routinely and at specific times.
Check your blood sugar levels every day at the following times:
- Right before going to bed
- In the early morning hours, such as between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
- (If your blood sugar levels are significantly low during this time, it might be because of the Somogyi effect)
- First thing in the morning
What can I do to lower my morning blood sugar levels?
To combat high blood sugar levels in the morning, you should adjust your evening routine.
Avoid eating high-GI foods before bed: Eating sugary and carb-filled snacks before bedtime will raise your blood sugar levels and worsen the dawn phenomenon.
Eat dinner: If you skip dinner, your blood sugar could drop significantly during the night and you might experience the Somogyi effect.
Do light exercise: Evening exercise like walking or yoga can help keep your blood sugar levels stable during the night.
Take your insulin medication at the right time: Speak to your doctor before adjusting your insulin or medication as it can have other health effects. It is advisable to take your insulin or medication before going to bed. If you are taking long-acting insulin, try taking it earlier in the day.
When to see your doctor
It is important to see your doctor if your blood sugar levels are frequently high in the morning. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends seeing your doctor if your blood sugar is high more than three times in a two-week period.
Your doctor might suggest getting a continuous glucose monitor. These devices measure your blood sugar levels in real-time and can connect to a smartphone app. Furthermore, your doctor might adjust your medication so that you get the right amount of insulin to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Takeaway
If you are struggling with high blood sugar levels in the morning it might be because of the dawn phenomenon or the Somogyi effect. Check your blood sugar levels regularly and at the right times to see if you are affected by one of these phenomena. Talk to your doctor about the amount and timing of your insulin and diabetes medication. You can also adjust your evening routine to lower your morning blood sugar levels.