Everyday I learn something new about type 2 diabetes. Many times I wonder, ‘why didn’t someone tell me this when I was diagnosed.’ Having to guess and research can be overwhelming.

As a new diabetic I was very discouraged that I was experiencing high fasting blood sugar levels. When it has been over 8 hours since my last meal, how is my blood sugar this high???

Complaining about my frustration to a friend, she asked me what I was eating before I went to bed. Nothing. I am eating nothing before bed. She informed me that was the problem and recommended eating a few crackers and cheese before bed. 

She said it is common for diabetics. At her recommendation I searched for information on the “Dawn Phenomenon” that night. 

What I found out…. 

Blood sugar naturally increases while we sleep and our bodies release insulin to prevent the blood sugar from staying high. 

A diabetic’s body isn’t able to appropriately respond with insulin to bring our blood sugar levels back down to normal levels. This leads to high fasting blood sugar levels. 

Luckily, there are ways to help our bodies respond differently and bring our fasting blood sugar down. And yes, a bedtime snack can help.

When I read this my mind was blown. All my life I have been counting calories and one way I was keeping my calories low was through not eating after dinner. Now I’m being told to eat before bed.  

So, I started to research to better understand what the dawn phenomenon is and how to help lower my fasting blood sugar.

What Is The Dawn Phenomenon?

The body is working and preparing for our day as we snooze away. As we sleep the release of hormones triggers the liver to release glucose. This usually happens between 2am and 8am. As the hormones and glucose are released the pancreas is supposed to help regulate the glucose in our blood by releasing insulin. This regulation process isn’t successful in type 2 diabetics, the body doesn’t release enough insulin or due to insulin resistance, blood sugar levels never reach appropriate levels.

Why Should Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Be Maintained?

The ADA recommends a diabetic’s fasting blood sugar be 80-130mg/dl. Fasting blood sugar levels that are routinely higher than this recommendation can lead to high A1C values and diabetic associated health complications. Notify your care provider of fasting blood sugar levels that are consistently high.

How to Identify Dawn Phenomenon?

If your fasting blood sugar is routinely high, your care provider may ask you to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely for a period of time. Tracking your blood sugar at bedtime, in the early morning hours, and again with your fasting blood sugar can help your provider identify the best treatment recommendations.

What are Common Treatments for High Fasting Blood Sugar?

When talking with your care provider about options for better regulating your fasting blood sugar, they may recommend the following.

• Taking evening medications at bedtime.
• Exercising for 30 minutes each evening, such as walking.
• Eating a low carbohydrate dinner.
• Eating a low carbohydrate snack prior to bed.
• Increasing activity and/or drinking water prior to testing your blood sugar.
• Changing medications, frequency and/or dosages.

Over half of diabetics struggle with high fasting blood sugar levels. If you are experiencing high fasting blood sugar, Dawn Phenomenon may be to blame. Other possible causes could be Waning Insulin or Somogyi Effect. Check with your care provider on the best plan to help regulate your blood sugar.

What have you found helps you regulate your fasting blood sugar level?