The sudden rise in blood sugar in the early morning is known as the dawn phenomenon or dawn effect. It usually occurs between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.
But why does this happen?
But why does it happen?
Mechanisms of occurrence
In general, normal hormonal changes raise blood glucose in the morning, whether you have diabetes or not. If blood sugar is not elevated, it’s because the body synthesizes more insulin to balance it. People don’t even notice it’s happening.
But, if you have diabetes, it’s different. Because the body is not responding properly to insulin, fasting blood glucose readings can be elevated, even when a strict diet is followed.
The elevated blood sugar is the body’s way of making sure it has enough energy to get up and start the day. If you have diabetes, your body may not have enough insulin to fight these hormones, which can upset the delicate balance your body is working hard to maintain, and your morning blood glucose readings may be too high.
The effects of the dawn phenomenon can vary from person to person, and even from day to day.
Some researchers believe that the natural overnight release of so-called counter-regulatory hormones (such as growth hormone, cortisol, glucagon, and adrenaline) enhances insulin resistance, which raises blood glucose.
Hyperglycemia may also occur in the morning because of the following factors:
- During the previous night, there was not enough insulin.
- Used too much or too little medication.
- Taking the wrong extra meal before bedtime.
What can be done?
If the dawn phenomenon is taking its toll, try these steps.
- Eat dinner early in the evening.
- Do some exercise after dinner, such as going for a walk.
- Consult your doctor about the medications you are using.
- Eat breakfast, which will help bring your blood sugar back to normal. Eating breakfast will tell your body that it’s time to control the hormones that resist insulin.
- Eat an extra meal with some carbohydrates and protein before bed.
You also need to avoid all sugary drinks, such as sodas, blended juices, juice drinks, and sweet teas. Just one serving of these drinks can raise blood sugar, and in some cases, these sugary drinks can provide hundreds of extra calories.
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar may rise from time to time in the morning, and this may not be an issue of undue concern. However, if high blood glucose occurs several mornings in a row, you should take a blood glucose test at night, around 2 to 3 a.m., for several nights in a row. Then, take these numbers to your doctor. This can figure out if there really is a dawn phenomenon, or if there are other factors that cause higher morning blood glucose.