Thank you all for your answers. It brought relief from unnecessary worry. I suppose since I turned 75 in January that my readings may go up a little. But your comments reassured me that I am still in the safe zone staying under 126 in the morning. Today I was at 89.

Try checking at 0400 ISH for a couple of days,then again at 0600,( even if you have to set alarm for earlier test.
If you search " ways to avoid dawn phenomenon" you can find things to do if it turns out to be the right solution

I wouldn't consider a week a "trend" - could be lots of reasons - everything from seasonal changes, a reaction to pollen (allergy season is getting underway) and dozen of other factors

If you stay a little elevated for a month "consistently" and have no explanation (not fighting a cold or flu, no allergies, not treating another condition) then maybe a little cause for concern.

But as long as you are consistently below 126 (7.0 mmols) there is no (immediate danger) that I would really take action against

As we get older the disease does change and sometimes we are going to have to adjust our perspective

Since I turned 60 I don't mind running a little higher than I have been for the past 8 years because everything is further down the road now and I don't have to "protect as long anymore" to maintain function and avoid serious complications

And yes I would love to "always" break 100, in my Golf Game as well 😁 but the fact is whether my FBS is 125, 105, 95 or 75 it will make "zero difference" to my heart health and controlling our FBS is primarily designed to protect it - high FBS puts strain on the heart - keep it below 7.0/126 and everything is Rainbow's and Unicorn's

It's just when it's closer to 75 you can enjoy a double chocolate donut and call it "medicine" 😁

One time reading is ignorable.Trends of higher levels is something you need to do something about
You may be showing dawn phenomenon ( but rise is usually higher) somogyi effect( did you have low level in early morning?)
Or just water a bit different - quantity or quality

@pandapet …. I do that too