Understanding the Dawn Phenomenon and Your Blood Sugars While Fasting

🌅The dawn phenomenon is a normal rise in blood glucose in the morning, around 4-5 am, due to the body's release of counter-regulatory hormones.

🔍During fasting, the body uses stored glucose from the liver and body fat, converting them back into glucose and releasing it into the blood.

🍽️When you eat, insulin levels go up, signaling the body to store the glucose as energy. When not eating, counter-regulatory hormones go up, signaling the release of stored glucose.

⚠️People with type 2 diabetes may experience a higher rise in blood glucose in the morning due to insulin resistance and higher storage of glucose.

💊People on diabetes medications may need to make adjustments as fasting allows the body to use up glucose, potentially causing low blood sugars.

Does fasting cause low blood sugars?

—Fasting itself does not cause low blood sugars. The body can maintain normal glucose levels by converting stored glucose or body fat into sugar.

What if I'm taking diabetes medications while fasting?

—If you're on diabetes medications, you may need to make adjustments during fasting to avoid low blood sugars. Consult with your doctor to determine the necessary medication adjustments.

Why do some people experience higher blood sugars in the morning while fasting?

—People with type 2 diabetes may experience a higher rise in blood glucose in the morning due to insulin resistance and higher storage of glucose.

Is the dawn phenomenon normal?

—Yes, the dawn phenomenon is a normal rise in blood glucose in the morning, around 4-5 am, due to the body's release of counter-regulatory hormones.

What should I do if my blood sugars go up while fasting?

—If your blood sugars go up while fasting, it's a sign that your body has excess glucose. Continue fasting to allow your body to use up the stored glucose and bring the blood sugars back down.

00:00Introduction to the dawn phenomenon and blood sugars while fasting.

01:30Explanation of how the body releases glucose for energy during fasting.

04:00Comparison of glucose storage to a refrigerator and explanation of the role of counter-regulatory hormones.

08:00Discussion of the dawn phenomenon and its occurrence in everyone.

09:30Insights on fasting and its effect on blood sugars in people with type 2 diabetes.