Why Blood Sugar Levels Rise Overnight?

Are you struggling with high blood sugar spikes in the Morning? What causes your blood sugar levels to rise at night and how can you stop it? You're not alone, we are here to help with techniques for controlling high blood sugar levels at night and in the morning, including healthy snacks for bedtime.

There are various factors that can impact your glucose levels, and night time can be especially challenging. Some people with diabetes may struggle with high blood sugar levels during the night, while others may experience anxiety or a drop in glucose levels while sleeping. It is important to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the night to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. A good night's rest can also positively impact diabetes management the following day. This article specifically addresses managing high blood sugar levels overnight, but additional information on preparing for and preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be found here. Let’s use the symptoms of high blood sugar.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar at Night:

Experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia is possible if your blood sugar is high at night. Hyperglycemia, also known as "high glucose," cannot be determined by a specific glucose level. People with diabetes usually maintain their blood sugar levels below 180 mg/dl during the day, but some aim for a lower range of 120 or 140 mg/dl at night when they are not eating.

Following are some of the common symptoms of hyperglycemia, at Night.

• Poor sleep
• frequently waking up to urinate or drink water
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

Why Blood Sugar Levels Rise Over Night?

There are many factors that can cause your blood sugar to increase at night. You can experience different varieties of high blood sugar at night. There are two other effects they are

The Dawn Phenomenon:

The dawn phenomenon is a natural rise in blood sugar levels in the early morning hours, typically between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. This happens because your body starts to release hormones like cortisol and growth hormone to prepare you for the day ahead. These hormones can cause your liver to release glucose into your bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels.

Somogi Effect:

According to the Somogyi phenomenon, late-night hypoglycemia has a reversal effect that leads to early-morning hyperglycemia. This can happen if you take too much insulin before bedtime, causing your blood sugar levels to drop too low during the night. To counteract this, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and glucagon, which can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. (Ref.)

Common Causes of a Glucose Increase at Night Include:

1. Eating too close to bedtime can cause high glucose levels overnight. This is true whether you're snacking or having a late dinner. Meals that are high in fat and carbs, such as pizza or pasta with creamy sauces, can delay glucose absorption and lead to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
2. If you have type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar levels at night may be the result of an ineffective treatment plan that fails to address nighttime insulin resistance or missed doses of your glucose-lowering medication can cause high glucose levels at night (and often also during the day).
3. If your glucose level is low before bed, it's important to only take the amount of glucose needed to stabilize your blood sugar. Limited treatments such as glucose tablets or small candies can be effective in raising your glucose levels by a specific amount. Avoid over-correcting your glucose level before bedtime.
4. Taking less insulin before bedtime due to fear of low blood sugar overnight.

How to Control High Blood Sugar Levels Overnight?

Blood sugar spikes occur after a meal when your blood sugar rises quickly and then decreases suddenly. In the short term, these fluctuations can lead to feelings of fatigue and increased hunger. Over time, prolonged exposure to such spikes can impair your body's ability to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, frequent blood sugar spikes can cause the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. (Ref.)

Lifestyle and dietary Modifications could help you maintain stable blood sugar levels. There are a few tips to control high blood sugar levels overnight. They are

1. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels:

Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes and preventing overnight blood sugar spikes. Regular monitoring can help you identify patterns and make adjustments to your lifestyle or medication as needed.

There are several ways to monitor your blood sugar levels, including:

• Self-monitoring: This involves using a blood glucose meter to test your blood sugar levels at home.
• Continuous glucose monitoring: This involves wearing a device that continuously monitors your blood sugar levels and provides real-time readings.
• Hemoglobin A1C test: This blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best method of monitoring your blood sugar levels based on your individual needs and lifestyle.

2. Adjust Your Medication Dosage:

If you're taking medication to manage your blood sugar levels, it's important to work with your doctor to adjust your dosage. This can help prevent overnight drops or spikes in blood sugar levels.

3. Exercise Regularly:

Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as brisk walking or cycling.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates can help keep your blood sugar levels under control. This may involve eating more protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and reducing your intake of processed and sugary foods

Good sources of soluble fiber include: Oatmeal, nuts, legumes, some fruits, such as apples, oranges and blueberries, and vegetables.

5. Avoid Eating Late at Night

Eating late at night can cause blood sugar levels to rise overnight. Try to finish your last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule.

7. Consider Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

If you're struggling to manage your blood sugar levels overnight, consider using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. This device can provide real-time blood sugar readings and help you make necessary adjustments to your diet and medication dosages.

8. Exercise

Physical activity helps manage blood sugar spikes by improving insulin responsiveness and promoting sugar absorption by muscle cells. High and moderate-intensity workouts can both effectively lower blood sugar levels.

According to one study, exercising before breakfast effectively lowers blood sugar levels compared to exercising after breakfast. (Ref)

Are you tired of trying all the unsustainable methods & diets to moderate your blood sugar levels and weight ? There is an alternative solution in the form “Moderate”

Moderate is a trademarked botanical extract that helps reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and calories into the body, by up to 40% after consuming them. It helps reduce post-meal sugar and insulin spikes. It has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective and is recommended by doctors.

The main benefits of using a tablet of Moderate before a meal / sugary snack / sugary drink are:

• By taking this, it reduces the absorption of carbohydrates / sugars and calories into the body, thereby reducing the glucose spikes after having heavy glucose/carb meals.
• Controls hunger pangs by preventing Glucose crashes. It helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Promotes gut health and microbial development, which contributes to overall health.
• Aids in conscious eating and sustainable good eating habits, without the need for restricted unsustainable diets.

You can check for yourself by looking at your blood sugar levels 30 min and 60 min after eating a carb / sugar rich meal, with and without Moderate tablets.

People affected by diabetes is increasing world over and in India with almost 25% unaware of their condition. Managing high blood sugar levels overnight is crucial for individuals with diabetes. The Dawn Phenomenon and the Somogyi Effect can cause spikes during the night, but keeping a check on blood sugar levels, adjusting medication, engaging in regular exercise, following a balanced diet, and making healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain stability. Natural products like Moder/ate can be a game-changer by reducing carbohydrate absorption and supporting steady blood sugar levels, in addition to following a healthy life style.

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