a strong ‘dawn phenomenon’

[RuthB]

Apologies if there is a thread somewhere about this that I just can't find, but I seem to remember someone once talking about a strong ‘dawn phenomenon’ - ie blood sugars being high first thing in the morning (fasting) no matter how good you had been with low carb/medication/whatever you are using to control levels, and that this is something some people struggle with regardless. Am I remembering that right? Is it a thing?
Thanks!

 

[helli]

Yes, Dawn Phenomenon (DP) is a thing.
Our helpful livers dump glucose into our blood to give us the energy to get moving.
Someone with a healthy pancreas will release insulin to convert the extra glucose into energy.
Those of us with diabetes find this more challenging.

I have read that those managing type 2 (I have T1) find their morning readings he last to come down because of this.

Some livers delay their dump until they notice the body rising. So the peak is a little later. Thi is often referred to as Foot On The Floor.

 

[Toucan]

Hello @RuthB
Yes this something that quite a lot of people experience.
If you want to red more about it, here is a link:
Dawn phenomenon « Diabetes Support Information Exchange (diabetes-support.org.uk)

 

[RuthB]

Yes, Dawn Phenomenon (DP) is a thing.
Our helpful livers dump glucose into our blood to give us the energy to get moving.
Someone with a healthy pancreas will release insulin to convert the extra glucose into energy.
Those of us with diabetes find this more challenging.

I have read that those managing type 2 (I have T1) find their morning readings he last to come down because of this.

Some livers delay their dump until they notice the body rising. So the peak is a little later. Thi is often referred to as Foot On The Floor.

Thank you. I have been noticing that my readings during the day are generally getting better but the one in the morning still stubbornly high! Good to know it isn't just me

 

[Nick Cliff]

Hello @RuthB
Yes this something that quite a lot of people experience.
If you want to red more about it, here is a link:
Dawn phenomenon « Diabetes Support Information Exchange (diabetes-support.org.uk)

Hi @Toucan I found that article very informative. Thankfully I don't exhibit a strong dawn phenomenon, but it helps explain why sometimes I have higher than expected first-thing fasting test reading. Thanks. Nick

 

[RuthB]

Hello @RuthB
Yes this something that quite a lot of people experience.
If you want to red more about it, here is a link:
Dawn phenomenon « Diabetes Support Information Exchange (diabetes-support.org.uk)

Thank you so much for sharing that article @Toucan - I wasn't aware of that website and found it and the article very useful indeed. Bookmarked to reread again in the future (I find my memory is shocking during lockdown so I am sure I will forget what I have read very soon!) 🙂

 

[Drummer]

I tend to allow things I can't influence directly to go unchecked.
I CAN reduce my blood glucose after meals, so that is what I go for. I found that the timing of meals was also having an influence, so first meal with 10 gm of carbs means my levels don't continue rising until I do eat. I then eat 12 hours later, seems to be the best regime to follow.
I reduced levels of carbs from 50 to 4o gm - no change in Hba1c. Hmm - well - OK, but 42 isn't bad, so I have left it there.
The morris sides are planning on dancing their socks off as soon as it is allowed so perhaps that will eventually result in a more middle of normal result as it will be more exercise, sun and fresh air.