The “dawn phenomenon” refers to a natural early morning rise in blood sugar, usually between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. This happens due to hormonal changes in our bodies as we prepare to start the day. It can vary day to day and person to person. People without diabetes probably don’t even notice it since their bodies adjust insulin levels naturally.
But for someone with diabetes, this rise can cause noticeable symptoms. This is due to either not producing enough insulin or not using insulin effectively. The symptoms because of high sugar levels may include feeling dizzy or nauseous, throwing up, feeling tired or weak, confusion, frequent hunger, or excessive tiredness.
How do you manage this? If you have diabetes, you’re likely already managing your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication. But to deal with the dawn phenomenon, you can also make additional changes like modifying your medication, eating dinner earlier, avoiding skipping meals or medication doses, reducing sugar intake before bed, taking medication closer to bedtime instead of at dinner, and adding some light physical activities after dinner like yoga or jogging.
If your high morning blood sugar levels occur occasionally, it’s not a big deal. But if it’s happening more frequently, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor. It’s because extreme high blood levels can lead to serious issues like nerve or organ damage, damage to blood vessels, or even a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis – a significant buildup of acid in the bloodstream.
Your approach to managing the dawn phenomenon doesn’t depend on whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; it’s really about what works best for you. For example, if you have Type 1 diabetes and are using insulin, adjustments might be needed to account for overnight changes.
Now, it’s important not to confuse the dawn phenomenon with the “Somogyi effect.” In the Somogyi effect, blood sugar levels drop super low, which makes your body work overtime to increase them. This could leave you with higher than normal blood sugar levels in the morning. The main difference is that the dawn phenomenon can happen anytime there’s excess insulin, while the Somogyi effect is specifically a reaction to low blood sugar.
To tell the difference, regularly check your blood sugar at bedtime, around two to three in the morning, and when waking up. You can also use a continuous glucose monitor to track trends in your blood sugar levels.
In terms of remedies and prevention, the best practice is to avoid high sugar levels in the first place. Through discussion with your doctor, you might inject insulin or take medication that specifically targets these increases. Some home remedies can also help control your blood sugar levels. But remember, always consult your doctor before trying these or altering your current medications. These remedies can include reducing sugar intake, exercising regularly, using over-the-counter supplements like alpha-lipoic acid, eating cinnamon, drinking tea, taking chromium supplements, and eating protein-rich foods.
Finally, if the dawn phenomenon frequently results in high blood sugar levels, it’s essential to speak to your healthcare provider to avoid severe health complications.
Categories: General
Tags: Control, High Blood Sugars
