Managing the Dawn Effect: Tips for Controlling Morning Sugar Levels

Feb 8

In this blog, we will cover the phenomenon known as the dawn effect, which involves a rise in blood sugar levels during the early morning hours. We will explore the causes of this phenomenon, its impact on individuals with diabetes, and potential management strategies. Understanding the dawn effect can provide valuable insights into managing blood sugar levels and improving overall diabetes management.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about your early morning blood sugar spike besides not taking any sugar for 9+ hours? Then, you are at the right place to find out why. What happens when you wake up? Let us dig in.

Nearly half of diabetic individuals, whether they are children or adults, regardless of age, experience high morning sugar levels called the dawn phenomenon or dawn effect. People with type 2 or adult-onset diabetes have higher chances of showing the effect.

So, what does the dawn phenomenon mean?

An unexpected, periodic rise in blood sugar levels during the early hours is because of the surge of hormones in your bloodstream which is the body’s natural way of waking you up.
The hormones that bring about this effect are growth hormones and stress hormones.
They signal your liver to release more sugar into the blood, which impacts your morning blood sugar levels and HbA1C levels (your average sugar measures over the past three months), according to American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Insulin usually controls the increased blood sugar, which may not happen in diabetics as the body does not produce enough insulin or is considerably insulin-resistant to reduce high blood sugar levels.
Your body still asks you to pay close attention and review your evaluation process and treatment options.

Did you know?

The dawn effect, characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels in the morning, is a natural response of the body to the release of growth and stress hormones, which can impact individuals with diabetes. Managing this phenomenon is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Is it the dawn phenomenon or your high sugar intake?

It is time to consult your healthcare provider when you are frequently experiencing high morning sugar levels. They assess your blood sugar level and find out what is wrong.

How to find out?

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) are commonly used to understand your glucose pattern by recording your sugar levels all day and night. Intermittent glucose monitoring may also be suggested.
Consistent high sugar levels after midnight (approximately between 3 am and 8 am) indicate that you have the dawn phenomenon. Possibly, preventing long-term issues by limiting high sugar is significant in the early management process.

Dawn effect VS Somogyi effect

The Somogyi effect also generates high blood sugar levels in the morning, although for different reasons. If they skip a meal or a night snack or take too much or too little insulin at night, they experience the Somogyi effect. The effect results in low sugar levels overnight that go up in the morning.

For insulin users out there!

Your doctor considers the dawn effect in selecting the type of insulin and method of delivery.
May not boost long-acting insulin as high insulin causes your sugar level to drop.
An insulin pump can avoid low sugar when set to provide insulin in the early morning. However, it might not suit everyone.
Insulin-takers can monitor their blood sugar levels to avoid overnight lows before early morning glucose spikes.

Now let us look at the alternate medicine systems view!

In type 2 diabetic individuals, whether they use insulin or not, treating the root cause of insulin resistance and adopting lifestyle changes might be the holistic way to deal with the dawn effect.
Both Siddha and Ayurveda are ancient Indian medicinal systems that emphasize the importance of achieving body balance (dosha balance) to maintain good health. These systems focus on identifying the root cause of physical and mental health problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. By addressing the underlying imbalances in the body caused by factors such as poor diet, environmental toxins, and stress, Siddha and Ayurveda aim to promote overall wellness and prevent future health issues.
Check with me or any medical professionals before making the changes mentioned below,
Correct/improve your gut health
Prebiotic fibers like mushroom/konjac root help in better absorption of metformin.
Inulin in garlic and onion improves fasting blood sugar.
Probiotics like yogurt help to reduce inflammation and boost gut health.
Alter your carb levels.
Recent studies show low-carb diets help with better management of diabetes.
Cut 10 to 15% from your diet.
Watch out for the quality of carbs you eat.
Consider keto diet
Studies show ketogenic diet lowers HbA1c, stimulates weight reduction, reverses kidney damage, and enhances blood lipids and cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetes.
Go gluten-free
It enhances beta cell function, which in turn improves insulin.
Gluten, according to studies, gives rise to inflammation and a leaky gut (diarrhea), which causes diabetes.
Celiac disease (an overactive immune response to gluten) is a consequence of diabetes.
Include more proteins
Protein gives the feeling of fullness and helps to balance blood sugar.
What else can you do to manage the dawn effect?
Finally, we shall explore some routines that you can modify. Check with your healthcare provider before undertaking these lifestyle changes, especially your diet.
Work up a sweat!
If your blood sugar tends to drop at night following late afternoon or evening exercise, morning exercise might be the best option.
Work out early in the day or evening (depending upon individuals) so that it can aid in lowering your blood sugar levels.
Walking, yoga, swimming, Tai chi are some exercises that can help.
Go for a walk
Doing something active after dinner can help with regulating your sugar levels.
Limit carbs in the evening.
Increase the protein-to-carb intake in your evening snacks because limiting or avoiding carbs (with medical supervision) is a must.
Eat early breakfast
Have your breakfast (low carbs) within half an hour of waking, even if your blood sugar is high, since this may prevent the release of the contributing hormones.

Check on your sleep
Try to sleep before midnight to reduce the stress hormone level. And that might help with better sugar toleration. Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily.
Lower your stress levels
Stress causes inflammation, and insulin resistance ultimately imbalances sugar.
Manage with relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, etc.
Circadian rhythm (biological clock) can be corrected by
Getting good sleep, limiting blue light exposure, and avoiding late dinner.
Studies show that a disrupted circadian rhythm increases diabetes risk.
Reduce exposure to environmental exposure
Use alternatives to BPA and phthalates (used to make plastics) as these contribute to diabetes.
Buy organically produced foods and filtered water to reduce persistent organic pollutants (POPs) harmful effects.
Some home remedies that may come in handy
Choosing snacks rich in fiber and low in fat before bedtime can satisfy your hunger while reducing the dawn effect.
Apple cider vinegar is a cheap way to reduce high sugar because it changes how your body reacts to sugar, keeps you full, slows down starch digestion, and improves your HbA1C levels.

Conclusion

Do not stop until you find out!!

Join your physician to find the best way to stabilize your blood sugar level. It may take some time and effort. Each body has unique needs, so take notice of the signs when they show you.

FAQs:

What's up with the dawn phenomenon?

The dawn phenomenon happens because of the release of growth and stress hormones in the early morning hours. These hormones signal the liver to release more sugar into the bloodstream, which can lead to high blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes who have insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.

What's the difference between the dawn phenomenon and the Somogyi effect?

Both the dawn phenomenon and the Somogyi effect can cause high blood sugar levels in the morning, but for different reasons. The dawn phenomenon happens because of natural hormonal responses, while the Somogyi effect happens because of low blood sugar levels overnight followed by a rebound rise because of inadequate insulin dosage or skipped meals.

How can the dawn effect be handled?

You can handle the dawn effect by adjusting insulin dosage, watching blood sugar levels, following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, improving gut health, increasing protein intake, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, reducing stress levels, and avoiding late-night meals. It's important to consult healthcare professionals for personalized management.

Can Ayurveda and Siddha medicine systehelp to manage the Dawn Effect?

Yes, some potent Ayurvedic and Siddha herbs have been shown to reduce High amounts of glucose in the bloodstream which means reduced production of insulin by the pancreas. They work by strengthening the pancreas, regulating the easy flow of insulin, and improving glucose tolerance – thus curing chronic diabetes mellitus. Vegetables such as bitter melon, fruits such as java plum, guava, and Indian gooseberry, spices like cinnamon, and fenugreek, and herbs like sirukurinjan (Gymnema or gurmar), ashwagandha, Indian bael (Ref recent research articles: 1 2 3 4 5) can be particularly helpful. However, it's important to consult with me or any alternate healthcare professional before taking any new herbs or supplements.

Are there any side effects associated with using Ayurvedic/Siddha remedies to manage the Dawn Effect?

While Ayurvedic and Siddha herbs are generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as digestive issues or allergic reactions. It's important to talk to an alternate healthcare professional before taking any new herbs or supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.

References

Dr. Prathibha . https://www.al-tru-well.com

Managing the Dawn Effect: Tips for Controlling Morning Sugar Levels

Dysbiosis vs. Leaky Gut: Key Differences Explained

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