This can help you course-correct any highs or lows before any food is eaten, exercise is done, or work is started, and can help to get you on the right track for the day. This article will outline the importance of checking your blood sugar, how often, and when you really should check for better diabetes management. If you have diabetes, chances are your blood sugar will be higher in the morning from time to time. If it happens for several mornings in a row, check it once during the night — around 2 or 3 a.m.
Exercise can increase ketone levels, which can raise blood sugars and put you at a greater risk of ketoacidosis. Do your blood sugars rise early every morning, for no apparent reason? You may be experiencing ‘dawn phenomenon.’ It’s frustrating, but it’s common, and this article will help you with a few strategies for preventing those glucose spikes and reverse dawn phenomenon. Nighttime low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause a rebound in blood sugar levels in the morning. Diabetes needs ongoing monitoring, and the treatment can change over time. Information about diet and exercise is vital for a doctor to outline a proper treatment plan for each individual.
This may be due to a relatively common event called the dawn phenomenon that affects roughly 50% people of living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. With the right dietary and lifestyle changes, your fasting blood sugar should be well within the optimal range when you test in the morning. These include exercising regularly, managing your carb and fat intake, getting plenty of sleep, and keeping to your treatment plan. There are several ways to naturally control your fasting blood sugar If you have diabetes. These can be especially useful if you find that your morning blood sugar levels are suddenly high and don’t know why. Your fasting blood sugar, sometimes called your morning blood sugar, is the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood after not eating for eight to 10 hours.
For those experiencing the Somogyi effect, a healthy mixed snack of protein and carbohydrates could help prevent your blood sugar roller coaster at night. Amori advises working with a registered dietitian if you’re not sure how to fit a pre-bed snack into your daily diet. 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. People living with diabetes may choose to use CGMs, especially people who have type 1 diabetes.
One of the most common questions for individuals with diabetes is, “How soon after waking up should I test my blood sugar?” The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of diabetes you have, your medication regimen, and your overall health.
Type 1 Diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, tracking your blood sugar levels regularly will help you understand how medication, food, and physical activity affect them. It also gives you the chance to see when levels are rising and take action to correct them. If you have diabetes, you need to maintain normal blood sugar levels to prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If left unchecked, hyperglycemia can cause progressive damage to cells throughout the body, leading to serious health concerns like vision loss, kidney disease, heart attack, or stroke. This article explains what normal blood sugar levels should be after eating.
“Some people have a striking dawn phenomenon,” says Dr. Spratt. Gestational diabetes ‘ a type of diabetes that occurs in a pregnant person who has never been diagnosed with diabetes before ‘ can also cause complications. These include giving birth to a baby who is larger than average and an increased risk of needing a C-section. The ADA suggests that pregnant people shoot for a target fasting blood sugar level of 95 mg/dL or less before a meal. Your blood glucose levels may stay elevated because of insulin resistance, which refers to a condition in which your body’s fat cells and muscles fail to use insulin effectively.
For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, it is recommended to test your blood sugar levels immediately upon waking up. This is because people with Type 1 diabetes are more prone to experiencing fluctuations in blood sugar levels during the night, known as the Dawn Phenomenon. Testing your blood sugar as soon as you wake up can help you determine if you need to adjust your insulin dosage or make any changes to your morning routine.
Type 2 Diabetes
If you have Type 2 diabetes, the timing of when to test your blood sugar after waking up can be a bit more flexible. It is generally recommended to test your blood sugar levels within the first hour of waking up. This can give you a good indication of how your body is responding to the food you ate the night before and help you make informed decisions about your diet and medication.
Morning Routine
Regardless of whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, testing your blood sugar levels in the morning should be a part of your daily routine. By monitoring your blood sugar levels consistently and making adjustments as needed, you can better manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best time to test your blood sugar after waking up based on your individual needs and circumstances.
