(Blood sugar study) 3. My morning blood sugar is higher than before going to bed. Why is that?

 

My morning blood sugar is higher than before bed. Why is that?

 

High morning blood sugar is caused by either the 'dawn phenomenon' or 'early morning hypoglycemia'.

 

1. Dawn phenomenon

 

The influence of various hormones secreted during sleep

 

While we sleep, our bodies prepare to wake up and be active the next day.

 

Preparing, which involves the so-called stress hormone

 

It secretes various hormones.

 

As a result, the sugars stored in the liver in the form of glycogen

 

It decomposes and comes out in the blood.

 

Insulin resistance also increases.

 

Therefore, morning blood sugar can be higher than pre-sleep blood sugar.

 

This is called the 'dawn phenomenon.'

 

This phenomenon also occurs in people without diabetes.

 

It is more pronounced in diabetic patients with decreased insulin secretion function.

 

 

2. Dawn hypoglycemia

 

Check if insulin or oral diabetes medication is being used

 

If hypoglycemia occurs in the middle of the night, to raise blood sugar levels

 

Hormones are secreted.

 

To check this, you need to check your blood sugar between 2 and 3 a.m.

 

People who frequently have nightmares or sweat excessively while sleeping

 

It is strongly recommended to check for hypoglycemia in the early morning.

In addition, even if the action duration of diabetes medications is short or the dosage is insufficient

 

Since fasting blood sugar levels in the morning may be high,

 

Always consult with your primary care physician before adjusting medication.

 

3. Response

 

There is an answer in eating and exercising before bed

1. When a dawn phenomenon is suspected

 

Avoid snacks and similar items before going to bed.

 

Increase evening post-meal exercise.

 

You should increase the proportion of protein and carbohydrates during dinner.

 

Since dawn phenomena can sometimes persist throughout the morning.

 

If fasting blood sugar is high, it is better to have a light breakfast.

2. Dawn hypoglycemia

 

Consult with your doctor to prevent hypoglycemia during sleep.

 

The medication needs to be adjusted.

 

Eating a simple snack like crackers before bed, or,

 

Lowering the intensity of evening exercise can also be helpful.

 

Summary of Professor Yoon Ji-wan from Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Center, Department of Endocrinology