If you already have diabetes, you may experience an early-morning increase in blood sugar, known as the dawn phenomenon. That’s when a surge of nighttime hormones causes a blood sugar spike in people with diabetes, but this doesn’t affect those without diabetes. Fortunately, just like type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the low-carb keto diet is a successful way for individuals with LADA to keep their blood sugar as stable as possible. If they need to eventually inject insulin, low-carb eating enables them to use the least amount of insulin necessary to keep high blood sugars in check.
You can have low blood sugar levels even if you don’t live with any type of diabetes. For instance, you may not have diabetes, but your body can produce too much insulin. Overproduction of insulin can lead to symptoms such as shakiness, headache, or cold shivers. Older adults who are 65 years of age and older may also have different glucose goals, including fasting glucose levels, because they may be more at risk of hypoglycemia.
Ask your health care professional how much insulin you should take before physical activity, whether you need to test your urine for ketones, and what level of ketones is dangerous for you. Clinicians should be aware of the medications that could potentially increase blood glucose levels and offer alternatives that have a lesser impact when prescribing. Patients should always feel comfortable asking providers about possible side effects and what they should look out for as well as when to call the doctor. If you’re experiencing the dawn phenomenon, which raises your blood glucose between approximately 3 and 8 a.m., your doctor may recommend that you avoid increasing your long-acting insulin. Sometimes the only way to adequately address the dawn phenomenon is with an insulin pump, which you can program to automatically deliver more insulin in the early morning hours.
Many individuals may find themselves puzzled by the fact that their fasting glucose levels are worse than their glucose levels after dinner. This discrepancy can be concerning, but it is essential to understand the reasons behind it in order to effectively manage blood sugar levels.
Increased Insulin Resistance
One possible reason for higher fasting glucose levels compared to post-dinner levels is increased insulin resistance. When insulin resistance is elevated, the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Fasting glucose levels are a reflection of this underlying issue, whereas post-dinner levels may be lower due to the immediate impact of food consumption.
Liver Function
“Because they’re basically synthetic versions of cortisol, they can raise your blood sugar,” Dr. Shah explains. The effects of the dawn phenomenon can vary from person to person, even from day to day. The important thing is to monitor regularly so you can recognize patterns and take action on any major blood sugar fluctuations. If your blood sugar readings are generally consistent, you can even try alternate site testing, such as using the palm of your hand, if you want to get away from your fingers periodically. But simply using different spots on the same finger can also prevent soreness.
The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, particularly during periods of fasting. In some cases, excessive glucose production by the liver can contribute to higher fasting glucose levels. This can occur even if post-dinner levels are relatively normal, as the body processes food differently throughout the day.
Morning exercise may be best if your blood glucose data has shown a trend of nighttime lows after late afternoon or evening exercise. Is a good idea for anyone experiencing the dawn phenomenon, too’it can help burn up that extra blood glucose. You may go to bed with blood gluocse levels within your target range, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way overnight. For example, if you are taking a long-acting insulin in the morning and it wears off before the next dose the following day, you would see morning high blood glucose. Changing the timing of your long-acting insulin injection, or switching to a twice-daily basal insulin or an ultra-long-acting insulin, might fix the problem.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors
In general, your goal should be to have a blood sugar level below 180 mg/dL one to two hours after you have a meal or snack. However, what is considered normal blood sugar varies depending on your diabetes status, your age, and any other health conditions you have. Normal blood sugar levels are important for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, tracking your blood sugar can help prevent serious health complications. Always make sure to discuss any blood sugar readings or concerns with a healthcare team before making any changes to your diabetes management plan, medications, or insulin doses.
Diet and lifestyle choices can also influence the discrepancy between fasting and post-dinner glucose levels. Consuming high-sugar or high-carbohydrate meals before bedtime can lead to elevated post-dinner levels, while inadequate dietary choices overall can contribute to consistently high fasting glucose levels.
FAQs:
- Q: Can medications affect fasting glucose levels?
- Q: How frequently should I monitor my blood sugar levels?
A: Yes, certain medications such as corticosteroids or antidepressants can impact blood sugar levels, potentially leading to higher fasting glucose levels.
A: It is recommended to monitor blood sugar levels regularly, as fluctuations throughout the day can provide valuable insights into overall glucose control.
By addressing underlying factors such as insulin resistance, liver function, and lifestyle choices, individuals can work towards narrowing the gap between fasting and post-dinner glucose levels. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on managing blood sugar levels effectively.
