How soon after I wake up should I check my blood sugar? | diabetes (2024)

FAQs

How soon after I wake up should I check my blood sugar? | diabetes? ›

Check your blood glucose immediately on awakening—before any morning activities, such as showering, shaving or putting on makeup. The reason for this schedule is that if your blood glucose is low, you can drink some juice or milk.

What should your blood sugar be when you wake up? Whenever possible, aim to keep your glucose levels in range between 70 and 130 mg/dL in the morning before you eat breakfast, and between 70 and 180 mg/dL at other times.

In most cases, doctors ask people to measure fasting blood sugar immediately upon waking and before they have anything to eat or drink. It may also be appropriate to test blood sugar before eating or 2 hours after a meal, which is when blood sugar returns to normal levels.

The dawn phenomenon

In the early hours of the morning, hormones, including cortisol and growth hormone, signal the liver to boost the production of glucose, which provides energy that helps you wake up. This triggers beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin in order to keep blood glucose levels in check.

To recap, the key glucose levels you are looking to maintain are: Glucose levels when asleep between 70-100 mg/dL. Optimal morning fasting glucose values between 70-90 mg/dL. Overnight values that keep your 24-hour average glucose below 105 mg/dL.

Squeezing your finger

When you do that, you are getting some interstitial fluid rather than blood. A study shows that this “may lead to unreliable readings." Gently warming the hands ahead of time can help so you don't have squeeze so hard.

Fasting blood sugar test

Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L ) is normal. 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L ) is diagnosed as prediabetes. 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L ) or higher on two separate tests is diagnosed as diabetes.

Try to follow these guidelines for healthy glucose levels: before breakfast: 70–130 mg/dL. before lunch, dinner, or a snack: 70–130 mg/dL. two hours after meals: under 180 mg/dL.

A fasting blood glucose less than 100 is normal. 100-120 is called "impaired fasting glucose", or pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood sugar over 120, or a non-fasting blood sugar over 200, is diabetic. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) should be seen as a wake-up call.

Recommended finger: the World Health Organisation recommends the middle or ring fingers are used for blood glucose tests (second and third fingers). You may want to avoid using your little finger due to the skin being thin.

What time of day is blood sugar highest? ›

The dawn phenomenon is an early-morning rise in blood sugar, also called blood glucose, in people with diabetes. The dawn phenomenon leads to high levels of blood sugar, a condition called hyperglycemia. It usually happens between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.

For diabetics, drinking water can help to reduce your blood sugar (glucose) levels by diluting the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Adequate intake of water also helps to alleviate the dehydration that comes with excess urination caused by high glucose levels, a mechanism we explain earlier.

Caffeine can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This happens because caffeine triggers a hormonal response in our bodies. First, it blocks adenosine receptors. These receptors help us fall asleep by binding to our cells.

For some people, having some protein or healthy fat with about 15 grams of carbohydrate before bed helps keep the morning fasting numbers in target range. Try having a small amount of peanut butter on a piece of whole grain bread or 1 oz of low-fat cheese and a small apple.

People with diabetes should eat dinner between 8 and 9 pm. Eating close to bedtime or late at night must be avoided.

If you have diabetes, your body doesn't release more insulin to match the early-morning rise in blood sugar. It's called the dawn phenomenon, since it usually happens between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. The dawn phenomenon happens to nearly everyone with diabetes.

A: Yes. Multiple studies have shown that repeated awakenings during the night, insufficient sleep, excessive sleep, and irregular sleep all promote glucose intolerance. Furthermore, if a person has prediabetes or diabetes, poor sleep will worsen the condition.

Wipe away the first droplet of blood with a cotton ball or gauze as indicated. Rationale: The first drop of blood may be contaminated with the alcohol used for disinfection, which may provide an inaccurate result.

A commonly asked question is “Why do my testing results vary meter to meter?” The answer simplified is that meters are tested for accuracy and must adhere to Self-Testing Blood Glucose Monitoring System ISO standard and US guidance, and can only vary by 15 percent compared to reference method.

The fingers can become stiff and difficult to move. If diabetes has been poorly controlled for years, it can feel like you have pebbles in your fingertips. Hard, thick, and swollen-looking skin can spread, appearing on the forearms and upper arms. It can also develop on the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

Why is my blood sugar high when I haven't eaten all day? ›

Since your body doesn't respond to insulin the same as most, your fasting blood sugar reading can go up, even if you follow a strict diet. The boost in sugar is your body's way of making sure you have enough energy to get up and start the day.

And most importantly, it's reversible. You can prevent or delay prediabetes from turning into type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes.

Skipping Meals

Skipping a meal can cause you to have high blood glucose levels, so don't skip a meal in an attempt to lower high blood sugar.

The 15-15 Rule

Once it's in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn't get too low again. If you have low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, you can treat it with the 15-15 rule: have 15 grams of carbs. Check it after 15 minutes. Repeat if you're still below your target range.

When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys overcompensate by causing you to urinate more often. During the night, these frequent trips to the bathroom lead to disrupted sleep. High blood sugar may also cause headaches, increased thirst, and tiredness that can interfere with falling asleep.

Early morning dizziness can be a symptom of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar is more common in people with diabetes, particularly those who take insulin, than in those without this condition.

A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

A. Finger-stick blood samplers (lancet devices) are used to obtain blood for testing blood sugar (glucose). These devices consist of two parts: a “lancet holder” that looks like a small pen; and a lancet, which is the sharp point or needle that is placed in the holder. The lancets are only ever used once.

Should you rotate fingers for blood sugar checks? ›

A. For the best results, rotate fingers and use each side of each finger to test with. Fingertips can become dry, cracked, and calloused with frequent blood sugar testing. You may also want to use a lotion specifically designed for people who do finger stick testing — ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.

The middle or ring finger is preferred as having the greatest depth of tissue beneath the skin and hence offering the least chances of injury. The thumb or index finger may be more likely to be calloused or scarred, as well as being much more sensitive, making the procedure more painful.

Consume a high-fibre, low-fat snack before bed to prevent the dawn phenomena. Two healthy options are Almonds with plain or turmeric milk, nuts milk with basil seeds or an apple with walnuts. These items will control the blood sugar and keep your liver from overproducing glucose.

When is blood sugar lowest? Blood sugar levels lower than 100 mg/dL 8 hours after a meal and 140 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal are normal. During the day, the lowest blood sugar levels usually occur right before a meal. For most people without diabetes, pre-meal blood sugar ranges between 70 and 80 mg/dL.

Frequently Asked Questions. Drinking a tall glass of water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime helps with sugar control in diabetic patients.

Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure.

Mild to moderate levels of dehydration—especially during hot weather, intense exercise, or illness (diarrhea or vomiting)—can easily spike your blood sugar 50 to 100 mg/dL or higher.

Common symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, and blurry vision.

Yes, emotions can affect your blood sugar. Anxiety, fear, even that happy feeling you had when you got that new job can be stressful sometimes. When we're stressed – whether it's physical stress or mental stress – our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol that can raise blood glucose even if we haven't eaten.

What is normal A1C for a 70 year old? ›

For those without other major comorbidities, an A1C goal of 7–7.5% and a fasting glucose target range of 6.5–7.5 mmol/L (117–135 mg/dL) are recommended, whereas for frail older adults and those with multisystem disease, an A1C goal of 7.6–8.5% and a fasting glucose target range of 7.6–9.0 mmol/L (137–162 mg/dL) are ...

In general, foods that cause blood sugar level to rise the most are those that are high in carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into energy, such as rice, bread, fruits and sugar. Next are foods high in protein, such as meats, fish eggs, milk and dairy products, and oily foods.

Research has shown that peanuts can help control blood sugar in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes. Peanuts and peanut butter have even been shown to help lessen the spike in blood sugar when paired with high-carbohydrate or high-GL foods.

A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

Popcorn. As long as it's not served with butter or salt, popcorn is considered a good whole-grain snack for diabetes (Asif, 2014). Popcorn is low in calories, which can support a healthy weight and overall management of type 2 diabetes.

02/5​The dawn phenomenon

At the same time, the liver releases extra glucose in the bloodstream due to growth hormone, cortisol, and catecholamines. It generally happens in the morning around 2 am to 3 am to prepare the body to wake up for the day.

What should your blood sugar be when you wake up? Whenever possible, aim to keep your glucose levels in range between 70 and 130 mg/dL in the morning before you eat breakfast, and between 70 and 180 mg/dL at other times.

Although it sounds contradictory, sleep can both raise and lower glucose levels. Our bodies experience a cycle of changes every day—called a circadian rhythm—which naturally raises blood sugar levels at night and when a person sleeps. These natural blood sugar elevations are not a cause for concern.

Cleaning the finger with an alcohol swab prior to taking a blood sample is commonly recommended as a way to make sure the test site is clean.

Which finger is most accurate for blood sugar? ›

Recommended finger: the World Health Organisation recommends the middle or ring fingers are used for blood glucose tests (second and third fingers). You may want to avoid using your little finger due to the skin being thin.

Although you want to get the best results for each skin prick, when you're new to blood sugar testing it can be confusing to watch those results change throughout the day. “It's helpful to understand that blood sugar changes minute by minute,” says certified diabetes educator Karen A.

Itching. Localized itching is often caused by diabetes. It can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.

Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.

This is why we recommend our non-diabetic customers to target a morning glucose level between 70-90 mg/dL. If your morning blood glucose level is higher than you would like, then there are several strategies to lower it.

The American Diabetes Association's goals for blood sugar control in people with diabetes are 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals, and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.

A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

Dawn phenomenon happens when hormones your body naturally makes in the early morning (including cortisol and growth hormone) increase your blood sugar. The Somogyi effect also involves a surge of hormones, but it's due to a low blood sugar episode overnight. Dawn phenomenon doesn't happen because of low blood sugar.

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

Why is my blood sugar high when I have not eaten anything? ›

Since your body doesn't respond to insulin the same as most, your fasting blood sugar reading can go up, even if you follow a strict diet. The boost in sugar is your body's way of making sure you have enough energy to get up and start the day.

While fasting blood glucose could still be in the normal range, it is taking increasing amounts of insulin to keep it there. As insulin resistance develops, and insulin becomes increasingly ineffective to bring blood sugars down, blood sugars will eventually rise too high.

People with diabetes should eat dinner between 8 and 9 pm. Eating close to bedtime or late at night must be avoided.