Here are some common causes of blood sugar level swings:
- High upon waking -- Your liver is releasing too much sugar at
night, or you had a middle-of-the-night low and your body is
overcompensating (the Somogyi phenomenon). Or a rise in
the hormone cortisol occurs in the early morning hours is
causing the sugar to rise (the dawn phenomenon).
- Much higher after breakfast -- You've consumed too many carbs
at breakfast, a common occurrence with typical American
breakfasts (such as cereal with milk), or you've had a
carryover from the high cortisol levels that cause the dawn
phenomenon.
- High all the time -- Your blood sugar is out of control; you need to
see your doctor right away and adjust your medication and
diet.
- Low in the middle of the night or upon waking -- You are taking
too much long-acting medication, or your liver may not be
making enough sugar during periods of fasting, such as
overnight.
- Higher after exercise -- The adrenaline that your body makes
during exercise is causing your sugar to rise. Usually this is
temporary, and overall, exercise lowers blood sugars.
- Lower during or after exercise -- You are taking too much
medication or not consuming enough carbohydrates prior to
exercising. Remember: if you are getting a lot of low readings,
ask your doctor about reducing your medication rather than
just taking in more food to avoid packing on extra pounds.
Here are some common causes of blood sugar level swings: High upon
waking -- Your liver is releasing too much sugar at
night, or you had a
middle-of-the-night low and your body is...
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Dr. Jack Merendino of The Best Life answered:Here are some common causes of blood sugar level swings: