Why is My Sugar High in the Morning? Tips to Lower Morning Blood Sugar

TLDRA high blood sugar in the morning is common in diabetes and can be frustrating. It is caused by insulin resistance, the dawn phenomenon, high blood sugar the night before, and the somogyi effect. To lower morning blood sugar, you can adjust your diet, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and consult your doctor for medication changes.

Key insights

📈High blood sugar in the morning is common in diabetes due to insulin resistance and hormone changes.

🌅The dawn phenomenon, a natural hormone surge, can cause higher blood sugar levels in the morning.

🌙High blood sugar the night before, from large meals or snacks, can lead to elevated levels in the morning.

🚧The somogyi effect occurs when low blood sugar overnight triggers a rebound in sugar levels, causing high blood sugar by morning.

🥦Lowering morning blood sugar is possible through diet adjustments, regular exercise, staying hydrated, and medication changes if necessary.

Q&A

Why is my blood sugar always high in the morning?

High blood sugar in the morning is common in diabetes due to insulin resistance, hormone changes, and factors like the dawn phenomenon and high blood sugar the night before.

How can I lower my blood sugar in the morning?

To lower morning blood sugar, you can adjust your diet by keeping carbohydrate intake low at dinner, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and consult your doctor for medication changes if needed.

What causes the dawn phenomenon?

The dawn phenomenon is caused by natural hormone surges like cortisol and growth hormone, which prepare the body to wake up. In diabetes, it can lead to higher blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance and decreased insulin availability.

What is the somogyi effect?

The somogyi effect occurs when low blood sugar overnight triggers the release of stress hormones, causing a rebound in blood sugar levels and resulting in high blood sugar in the morning.

Can medication changes help lower morning blood sugar?

Yes, medication changes can be helpful in lowering morning blood sugar. Consult your doctor to discuss potential adjustments to your medication regimen.

Timestamped Summary

00:00A high blood sugar in the morning is common in diabetes and can be frustrating.

00:32Insulin and glucagon are the main hormones involved in blood sugar control.

01:35Insulin resistance in the liver and high glucagon levels can cause the liver to release extra sugar, leading to elevated blood sugar levels during fasting.

02:02The dawn phenomenon, characterized by higher cortisol and growth hormone levels, can contribute to high blood sugar in the morning.

02:46High blood sugar the night before, from large meals or snacks, can result in elevated levels in the morning.

03:15The somogyi effect occurs when low blood sugar triggers stress hormone release, causing a rebound in blood sugar levels by morning.

03:34Lowering morning blood sugar is possible through diet adjustments, regular exercise, and staying hydrated. Medication changes may also be necessary.