Typically, blood sugar levels are largely related to what you eat. However, your blood sugar may also rise without your eating, such as during times of stress or illness. In some cases, your blood sugar may be high at certain times of the day, even when you haven't eaten, such as first thing in the morning. If you have diabetes, it is especially important to pay attention to your blood sugar and learn how to best manage it.
Carbohydrates
Any food that has sugar, starch or fiber is a carbohydrate. This includes foods such as rice, bread, pasta and crackers. It also includes natural sugars found in fruit and in starchy vegetables such as potatoes. Anytime you eat a carbohydrate-containing food, you will experience a rise in blood sugar. If you have high blood sugar in the morning, evaluate what you eat at night and try to replace carbohydrates with a protein source instead.
Blood Sugar Range
The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping your blood glucose levels as low as possible. This means between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal. Your range may vary slightly depending on your overall health, so check with your doctor. Keeping a tight control on your blood glucose may help prevent health complications later in life.
The Dawn Phenomenon
One known instance when your blood sugar can rise without your eating is called "the dawn phenomenon." Very early in the morning your body begins making hormones to help wake you. The liver releases glucose to provide you with energy. In a nondiabetic person, insulin counteracts the rise in blood sugar. However, if you have diabetes, your body either doesn't produce insulin or doesn't use it properly, resulting in a rise in blood sugar.
Blood Sugar Control
Over time, elevated blood sugars can lead to health complications such as stroke or kidney failure. Adjustments in diet or medication can help control your blood sugar. A study conducted by The Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center and published in the January-February 2005 issue of "Endocrine Practice" found that increases in the bedtime doses of long-acting hypoglycemics may correct high morning blood sugars. Also, using an insulin pump may help steady blood sugars. If you have high blood sugar, talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Blood Sugar Testing: Why, When and How
- "Endocrine Practice"; The Dawn Phenomenon Revisited: Implications for Diabetes Therapy; M.F. Carroll, et al.; January-February 2005
- Diabetes Self-Management; Dawn Phenomenon; Robert S. Dinsmoor
- American Diabetes Association: Tight Diabetes Control
