Anything below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemia by the ADA and other diabetes care guidelines worldwide, and blood sugars below 55 mg/dL are classified as more severe and clinically significant. In this 2022 review of studies, researchers found that intermittent fasting can have benefits on blood glucose and lipids for people with metabolic syndrome or those experiencing insulin resistance. The study also found that intermittent fasting may be helpful as an auxiliary treatment to prevent other chronic disease development. You might have a slightly different recommended blood sugar range depending on your overall health, age, the length of time you’ve had diabetes, and other factors. A fasting blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood when it should be at its lowest.
Have you ever experienced having normal blood sugar levels throughout the day, only to find out that your fasting blood sugar reading in the morning is slightly elevated at around 101 or 102? This can be confusing and concerning for many individuals who monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. So, what could be causing this phenomenon?
Additionally, fasting glucose levels are important criteria for anyone going to get lab or bloodwork performed. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a fasting blood sugar below 70 mg/dL. Severely low blood glucose levels (below 54 mg/dL) can increase your risk of complications like fainting and seizures. Diabetes is a serious condition, and it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels. Your provider can order tests to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes and provide treatment recommendations. They may also suggest lifestyle changes to help keep your blood sugar within the recommended target range.
Be sure your treatment plan includes instructions on when you would need to seek emergency medical care. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle high blood sugar levels and can administer treatments like insulin therapy and fluid or electrolyte replacement. Your healthcare provider will give you a plan for what to do in case of low blood sugar that is specifically designed for you. Normal glucose levels in adults without diabetes, who haven’t eaten for at least eight hours (fasting) are less than 100 mg/dL.
Possible Explanations
There are several factors that could contribute to a higher fasting blood sugar reading in the morning, even if your blood sugar levels remain stable throughout the day. Some possible explanations include:
Children younger than 6 years of age should have a target range of 80 to 200 mg/dL each day. The amount of glucose in a child’s body will fluctuate from the time they wake up to after they’ve eaten meals and again before bedtime. For this reason, kids with diabetes or hypoglycemic episodes may have to have their blood sugar levels tested in the middle of the night by their parents. Many children (and adults) with Type 1 diabetes use continuous glucose monitoring, which mostly eliminates the need for finger sticks.
Glycemia at 24 should be within the normal range, with a gradual increase starting at 4. The dawn phenomenon or the Somogyi effect may be responsible for morning overdiagnosis. They are related to hormones, which cause glucose to be released from the liver into the bloodstream during sleep. The cause of hormone activity in both of these cases is different, so it is essential to be able to recognize these phenomena to counteract them. These situations are considered by doctors antidiabetic, explains Patrycja Wachowska-Kelly, MD, a specialist in internal medicine and obesity treatment at the Wellness Medicine Clinic of Medicover Hospital. Niraj Patel is a board-certified family medicine physician and the Medical Director of Cora Health.
- Dawn Phenomenon: This natural process occurs in the early morning hours when the body releases hormones that raise blood sugar levels to prepare for waking up.
- Somogyi Effect: Also known as rebound hyperglycemia, this phenomenon happens when low blood sugar levels in the middle of the night trigger the release of hormones that increase blood sugar levels by morning.
- Dietary Factors: Consuming high-carbohydrate or sugary foods close to bedtime can cause a spike in blood sugar levels overnight.
This level is considered the threshold at which there is a shortage of glucose or sugar in the brain, resulting in neuroglycopenic symptoms. You may need to monitor your blood sugar if you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) linked to medication use or an underlying health condition, such as Addison’s disease. To avoid this, you need to check your blood sugar routinely and make necessary adjustments to your diet or medication doses to bring your levels back under control. If doctors think you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, they may have you take a test to figure out if you have fasting hyperglycemia. You can have it for reasons such as prediabetes, diabetes, the use of some medications, or hormone imbalances.
Managing Morning Highs
If you consistently experience higher fasting blood sugar readings in the morning, it’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan to manage your blood sugar levels effectively. Some strategies that may help include:
- Adjusting Your Diet: Focus on eating balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Increasing Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring Medications: Make sure you are taking your medications as prescribed and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
By understanding the factors that can influence fasting blood sugar readings in the morning and taking proactive steps to manage your blood sugar levels, you can maintain better control over your overall health and well-being.
