Are you one of those diabetics who has high blood sugar when you wake up? It’s been called many things, but these are the two main reasons for high blood sugar in the morning.
The Dawn Phenomenon
Also called the dawn effect, the dawn phenomenon is a term used to describe abnormally high blood sugar levels in the morning. According to the Mayo Clinic, it usually happens in the early morning hours between 2 and 8.
There are many reasons why this occurs in diabetics. Some experts say that it is because the body releases hormones in the early morning. This hormone cocktail is counter-regulatory hormones. These hormones cause your blood sugar to rise while increasing your insulin resistance.
Another reason for the dawn phenomenon is that you did not have enough insulin the night before. The reasons behind this can be anything from a medication miscalculation to that late-night snack you snuck in before bedtime.
Somogyi Effect
Another lesser-known reason for having higher blood sugar first thing in the morning could be the Somogyi effect. The Somogyi effect happens when your body attempts to overcompensate from too low blood sugar the night before. If your body’s blood sugar dips too low, it attempts to balance again by raising your blood sugar levels back up by releasing hormones.
Alternatively, you can also have the Somogyi effect if your insulin levels dip too low the night before. In this instance, the body does not necessarily raise your blood sugar. But, it’s already high on its own because of medication or blood sugar mismanagement.
Treatment Options
Treatment for either the dawn phenomenon or Somogyi effect will vary from person to person. Your doctor will make different recommendations depending on how high your insulin levels turn out to be.
They can vary from adjusting your medication dosages to mindful concentrated eating of carbohydrates at specific times before bedtime.
Final Thoughts
The two main reasons for high blood sugar in the morning, the dawn phenomenon and Somogyi effect, is easily treated with minor adjustments to your medications and eating habits. Your doctor will work with you to develop the best plan of action.
