H
ow in the world can your blood sugar
climb during the night when you’re
not eating a thing? Before blaming
the carbs in last night's dinner, consider
these other common culprits.
BY JILL WEISENBERGER, M.S., RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND
ILLUSTRATIONS KATY DOCKRILL
1
Early Morning Hormones
As you sleep, while your body is fasting, your liver is the
primary driver of your blood sugar levels, says Gary Scheiner,
M.S., CDE, author of Th ink Like a Pancreas. All night long, the
liver releases sugar to provide the brain and nervous system
with energy. In the early hours of the morning, a series of
hormones that boost energy and alertness send additional
sugar into the blood to ready you for a new day. Th is rise
from hormones is called the dawn phenomenon. But people
with insulin resistance or too litt le insulin (or both) may have
trouble dealing with this sugar surge, leading to high morning
blood sugar levels, Scheiner explains.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONSConsider your medications. If
you take insulin, you may need additional basal insulin during
the night to keep sugar stored in the liver when it’s not needed
elsewhere. (Basal insulin covers your insulin needs around the
clock, including while you sleep.) If you have type 2 diabetes
and take a medication other than insulin, you may need a
greater dose of that med or an additional medication. Some
drugs like metformin reduce insulin resistance and also
prevent the liver from releasing excess sugar.
2
A Missed Workout
Being physically active boosts insulin sensitivity, allow-
ing your body to use insulin more effi ciently for up to 48
hours post-workout. And when you exercise regularly, your
body naturally stays more sensitive to insulin. But if you miss
your regular workout, you might see a jump in your usual
blood sugar levels. Th is can happen in the morning (but
could also happen at any time of day).
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Find an exercise routine that
you like and can stick to. To avoid missed days, planning ahead
can help: Take a look at the week ahead to anticipate when you
might miss a workout, and how you can still fi t one in. Even
carving out a few minutes to be active may help prevent you
from waking up to high numbers.
30 DI ABETIC LI VING / FALL 2 019
