Gauri Rokkam
Many people with diabetes find their fasting blood sugar is the toughest to control. The reason for this is a normal alteration in hormones called “Dawn Phenomenon.” The body prepares for waking up by secreting several hormones. Between 4:00 and 6:30 a.m. it secretes cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Their job is to give the energy to get up and start the day. In a person with normal blood sugar, insulin will also start to rise at this time but many people with diabetes won’t experience the corresponding rise in insulin and thus raise in FBS.
Another reason could be “Somogyi Effect” also known as “The Counter-regulatory Response”. It occurs when the blood sugar drops low enough to alarm the body into thinking a dangerous hypo is occurring. When this happens, the body releases stress hormones and glucagon and these in turn raise the blood sugar back, in an effort to bring it to the safety zone. And again FBS will be high.
Solution: If you are diabetic and observe high FBS, Eating a small snack full of fibre or protein few minutes before going to bed. Eg: A cup of raw salad or 6-8 nuts & 1 tsp seeds.
Another unsuspected cause of morning rebound blood sugars could be too much blood pressure medication. Check with your doctor and adjustment with medications will be needed.
Note: Please do consult your doctor or nutritionist to make right decisions.
-Gauri Rokkam, Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga Therapist and Lactation Consultant and also a resident of Koramangala.
