Dawn phenomenon: This refers to the natural rise in blood sugar levels that occurs in the early morning hours, between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM, as a result of the body's hormonal changes. The body releases hormones like cortisol, growth hormone, and adrenaline, which cause the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. In people with diabetes, this can result in higher than normal blood sugar levels.
Somogyi effect: This occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low during the night, triggering the release of hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This can happen if a person takes too much insulin or medication before bed or skips a meal. As a result, blood sugar levels can be high in the morning.
Poor nighttime blood sugar control: If blood sugar levels are consistently high during the night, it can lead to high levels in the morning. This can be caused by eating too much before bed, not taking enough medication, or not taking medication at the right time.
To address high blood sugar levels in the morning, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may involve adjusting medication doses, changing meal timing or content, or implementing lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress reduction techniques.