You’re up at 3 AM, and your blood sugar is rising again. While there may be many reasons it’s high at dawn, the two most common reasons are the Dawn Phenomenon and Somogyi Effect. Both involve hormones being released in the body, but for two very different reasons.
Dawn Phenomenon (also known as Dawn Effect and Liver Dump)
The Dawn Phenomenon is due to declining levels of insulin and an increase in hormones. Around 3 AM, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and glucagon. When levels of these hormones increase, it stimulates the liver to release glucose into your bloodstream. The reason for this is your body prepares for the increased energy it will need to wake up, which the glucose will provide.
For those without diabetes, the body releases insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Somogyi Effect
While blood sugar increases in the Dawn Phenomenon, it decreases in the Somogyi Effect. When blood sugar levels drop very low in the early morning hours, it triggers a release of hormones to reverse the low blood sugar. These hormones are called counter-regulatory hormones because they “counter” the effects of insulin.
As a result, this sends your blood sugar levels into a rebound high, called “rebound hyperglycemia”. This causes high blood sugar in the morning.
In other words, early morning hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs because of a rebound effect from late-night hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dr. Michael Somogyi, who discovered the Somogyi Effect, described the paradoxical tendency of the body to react to hypoglycemia by producing hyperglycemia.
How to Tell Them Apart
While the Dawn Phenomenon is more common, the Somogyi Effect is more common in Type I diabetics.
How can you tell what is causing your blood sugar to rise before breakfast? It involves my favorite catchphrase “be a diabetic detective.” Unless you wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you will need to test your blood sugars frequently. Experts advise testing before bedtime, around 2 AM–3 AM, and again when you first wake up for several nights.
Possible Treatments
The ADA recommends waking up with blood glucose levels between 80-130mg.
If the Dawn Phenomenon affects you, don’t wait too long to have breakfast when you wake up. It may signal your body not to release any more hormones.
Conclusion
Many reasons can contribute to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) upon waking, but the Dawn Phenomenon and Somogyi Effect should be considered as likely reasons. Both cause hormones to be released in the body. The way to tell them apart is to test your blood sugar frequently throughout the night. Then you and your doctor can determine if your meals and/or medication need to be adjusted.
Diabetes News
A Michigan podiatrist will celebrate his 60th birthday by riding 600 miles to raise money for juvenile diabetes research. Dr. Grodman will ride 600 miles from May 25–30 via stationary bike, Peloton, and bike locally. His goal is to raise $60,000.
Dr. Grodman’s sons have juvenile diabetes and in 1999, the family established The Grodman Cure Foundation. So far, the foundation has raised nearly $2,000,000 for diabetes research.
Click here to follow his journey:
https://www.facebook.com/TheGrodman300/
Research Study
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing and the Illinois Institute of Technology are conducting a research study to assist in the development of an artificial pancreas by examining the role of stress and physical activity.
The study will take place at the UIC College of Nursing. If you have Type 1 diabetes, use an insulin pump, and are between the ages of 18 and 60, you may be eligible for the study. Subjects will be reimbursed for their time and travel expenses.
For further information, please call Laurie Quinn Ph.D., RN (312-996-7906), Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, UIC College of Nursing.
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Disclaimer
Please remember this is not medical advice or intended to replace the advice of your doctor. This is my experience with the natural supplements that have helped me manage my diabetes. They are not intended to cure any disease. Please do not self-diagnose. Always check with your health care provider before trying new treatments.
Also, natural does not mean safe. Many natural remedies have side effects and can interact with medication and supplements. It should be noted that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like foods and not medication. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement makers do not have to show their products are safe or effective.
I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.