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My sugars are higher than usual in the morning but usually under 10. I am up and moving and before I can even eat they rise too high. Why?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Halifax, NS
January 27
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the frustrating experience of blood sugar rising in the morning even before eating, with many confirming the phenomenon... Read more

Members connected over the frustrating experience of blood sugar rising in the morning even before eating, with many confirming the phenomenon is real and shared their understanding of three main causes: dawn phenomenon (hormones like cortisol naturally rising before waking), foot-to-floor syndrome (blood sugar spiking simply from standing up and moving), and the Somogyi effect (the body overcompensating after a nighttime low). Several members offered practical strategies including eating a small snack like milk or toast upon waking, having bran flakes with water, staying in bed a bit longer to delay the spike, and seeking help from an endocrinologist for persistent highs. A recurring theme was reassurance that this experience is common among people with diabetes, encouragement to advocate for timely specialist care, and solidarity around the challenge of living alone and managing unpredictable blood sugar swings.

A DiabetesTeam Member

Thanks @A DiabetesTeam Member I guess I will see. I spent 45 years without taking it somehow but at 67 perhaps it has progressed and more needed to manage it. I will keep you posted if I ever get in to see someone about it!

January 30
A DiabetesTeam Member

Thanks everyone for your replies. It is frustrating to feel so little control. If I need insulin at this point I will certainly take it I had a good run without it. I have always been nervous of lows since I live alone but at this point perhaps I have no other choice. The thing is I am on a wait list to see someone but although it was an urgent referral I have been waiting since Januray 14 and must manage somehow myself!

January 29
DiabetesTeam

Why do blood sugar levels rise in the morning even before eating?

What you're experiencing sounds like the dawn phenomenon, which affects about half of people with diabetes. Between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., your body naturally releases hormones like cortisol and growth hormone to help you wake up. These hormones signal your Show Full Answer

Why do blood sugar levels rise in the morning even before eating?

What you're experiencing sounds like the dawn phenomenon, which affects about half of people with diabetes. Between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., your body naturally releases hormones like cortisol and growth hormone to help you wake up. These hormones signal your liver to make glucose for energy.

In people with diabetes, the body may not produce enough insulin to balance out this extra glucose, causing blood sugar to rise even when you haven't eaten anything. This can continue into the morning hours, which is called the "extended dawn phenomenon."

Several factors can contribute to this morning rise:

- Your body doesn't produce enough insulin naturally
- You have higher insulin resistance
- Your evening insulin dose or medication may need adjustment
- You ate carb-heavy foods before bed

The fact that your levels rise even after you're up and moving suggests your body is struggling to counteract these natural hormone changes. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help track what's happening overnight and confirm if the dawn phenomenon is the cause.

Talk with your healthcare provider about adjusting your diabetes management plan. They might recommend changes to your insulin timing, dose adjustments, or using an insulin pump that can deliver extra insulin during those early morning hours.

January 27
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member very helpful thank you

January 31
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member 2 bran flakes, hope it's available in your area,we cannot compare with other diabetics ....not all diabetics experience dawn phenomenon....there is an advantage hypos in the morning is easier for us,reason being the levels rise when we awake.lots of love and good wishes🙏💐🌹

January 27

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