I thought fasting sugars were supposed to be the lowest of the day, but they are the highest for me. Do you know why this is happening?
Q: I thought fasting sugars were supposed to be the lowest of the day, but they are the highest for me. Do you know why this is happening?
During the night, the body releases growth hormone and other hormones that trigger your liver to release its stored sugar. The pancreas responds by producing insulin to counteract this rise in blood sugar. However, in people who have diabetes the liver often releases large amounts of sugar and their cells are resistant to insulin's action. This results in a higher fasting blood sugar upon waking and is known as the Dawn Phenomenon or Dawn Effect. Additionally, eating a high-carbohydrate meal or snack late in the evening can result in elevated blood sugar the next morning.
Limiting carbohydrate intake at night, exercising regularly, getting several hours of restorative sleep, and taking certain medications, such as metformin, may help lower fasting blood sugar.
Answered by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE
Answered By dLife Expert: Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE
Certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian living in Southern California.
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