The Somogyi effect refers to an individual’s blood sugar levels falling too low overnight. The body may produce extra glucose to compensate, resulting in high blood sugar levels in the morning. Waning insulin occurs when an individual’s insulin levels fall too low overnight, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Insulin levels may fall for a variety of reasons and may be attributed to insulin pumps providing too little basal (background) insulin overnight or taking too low of a dose of long-acting insulin. Waning insulin may also occur if individuals inject long-lasting insulin too early. Here are some suggestions on language choices when talking with someone about their blood sugars and glucose levels.
Recommended blood sugar levels can help you determine whether your blood sugar is in a ‘normal’ range. High blood sugar levels in the morning may result from the dawn phenomenon, waning insulin and the Somogyi effect. Ketones are waste products made when the body breaks down fats due to insufficient insulin. They’re intolerable in large amounts and are released via a person’s urine. If the body is unable to release large amounts of ketones through urine, they may build up in the blood causing high ketone levels.
Bring your record of results with you to checkups with your healthcare professional. Ask what steps to take if you often get results that don’t fall within the range of your target goals. People living with diabetes may choose to use CGMs, especially people who have type 1 diabetes. They use a device placed on the skin along with a sensor placed under the skin. These disposable sensors last for 10 days to two weeks before they need to be changed.
The condition with low blood sugar levels is called hypoglycemia. However, if your blood sugar is above 240 mg/dL, your urine may contain ketones. Ketones are acids produced when your body breaks down fat for energy because there’s not enough glucose available. Exercising requires energy, which means your body will produce more ketones.
Diabetes is typically diagnosed after two repeat fasting glucose tests above 125 mg/dL or a two-hour reading above 200 mg/dL after an oral glucose tolerance test. For children with diabetes, the amount of glucose in the blood will fluctuate from when they wake up, based on their activity levels, and before they sleep at night. The meter measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood. With certain CGMs, you still may need a blood sugar meter to set your CGM device daily.
Managing your blood sugar levels is crucial for maintaining good health, especially if you are living with diabetes. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar numbers can help you make informed decisions about your diet, medication, and overall well-being.
What are you averaging, blood sugar numbers wise?
When it comes to tracking your blood sugar numbers, one important metric to pay attention to is your average blood sugar level. This number is a key indicator of how well you are managing your condition over time. By calculating your average blood sugar, you can get a clearer picture of your overall control and make adjustments as needed.
The Importance of Consistency
The frequency of labwork depends on your medical condition (nondiabetic vs prediabetes or diabetes), age, risk factors, and other variables. You should consult your endocrinologist and diabetes care team to best determine your glucose goals, based on your personal care plan. A more advanced diabetes technology like a CGM may also be a discussion point with your doctor in achieving ideal glucose levels and a healthy time in range. Many variables can impact blood sugar, including diet, exercise, medicine, illness, stress, sleep, and hormones.
Consistency in monitoring your blood sugar levels is essential for accurate tracking. By regularly checking your blood sugar at the same times each day and recording the results, you can identify patterns and trends that may affect your numbers. This data can help you and your healthcare provider make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Remember, everyone’s target blood sugar numbers may vary based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare team to establish personalized goals and strategies for managing your blood sugar effectively.
In conclusion, understanding and monitoring your blood sugar numbers is a vital aspect of managing diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can take control of your well-being and make positive changes to support a healthier future.
