The early morning spike in your blood sugar levels? It is called the dawn phenomenon or the dawn effect. It usually happens between 2 and 8 in the morning.
But why?
How it works
In general, the normal hormonal changes your body makes in the morning will raise your blood sugar levels, whether you have diabetes or not. If you don't, your body will simply produce more insulin to balance everything out. You don't even notice it happening.
But if you havediabetes, it is different. Because your body doesn't respond to insulin the same way most people do, your fasting blood glucose level can rise even if you follow a strict diet.
The sugar boost is your body's way of ensuring you have enough energy to get up and start the day. If you have diabetes, your body may not have enough insulin to counteract these hormones. It disrupts the delicate balance you work so hard to maintain, and your sugar levels may be too high in the morning.
The effects of the dawn phenomenon can vary from person to person, even from day to day.
Some researchers believe that the natural nighttime release of so-called counter-regulatory hormones – such as growth hormones, cortisol,glucagonInadrenaline-- makes your insulin resistance stronger. This will cause your blood sugar level to rise.
You may also have high blood sugar in the morning because:
- You didn't have enough insulin the night before.
- You have taken too much or too little medicine.
- You ate the wrong snack before going to bed.
What you can do
If the Dawn phenomenon affects you, try:
- Eat your dinner earlier in the evening.
- Do something active after eating, such as taking a walk.
- Ask your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking.
- Eating breakfast. It helps bring your blood sugar levels back to normal and tells your body it's time to rein in the anti-insulin hormones.
- Eat a snack with some carbohydrates and proteins before going to bed.
Also avoid all sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, fruit punch, fruit drinks, and sweet tea. Just a single serving can raise your blood sugar levels – and in some cases provide hundreds of extra calories.
If you have diabetes, chances are your blood sugar levels are occasionally higher in the morning. It may not be something to worry too much about. If it happens several mornings in a row, check it once a night at 2 or 3 a.m. - for a few nights. Then take these figures to your doctor. They can find out whether you really suffer from the morning phenomenon or whether something else is causing the higher morning numbers.
