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why blood sugar levels rise overnight

When you go to bed, your blood sugar reading is 110, but when you wake up in the morning, it has shot up to 150. Why does this happen?

To understand how blood sugar levels can rise overnight without your eating anything, we have to look at where glucose comes from — and where it goes — while we sleep.

During the day, the carbohydrates we eat are digested into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream. Some of this glucose goes to the liver, where it is stored for later use.

At night, while we are asleep, the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream. The liver acts as our glucose warehouse and keeps us supplied until we eat breakfast. The amount of glucose being used is matched by the amount of glucose being released by the liver, so blood sugar levels should remain constant.

what is the dawn phenomenon?

A rise in blood sugar level between approximately 3 A.M. and the time you wake up is called the “dawn phenomenon.”

The liver is supposed to release just enough glucose to replace what is being used, and insulin works as the messenger to tell the liver how much is enough. But if there's not enough insulin (as with type 1 diabetes), or if there's enough insulin but it cannot communicate its message to the liver (as with type 2 diabetes), the liver starts to release glucose much too quickly. In addition, levels of hormones such as cortisol begin to increase in the early morning hours, which can contribute to altered insulin sensitivity.

The result? Blood sugar levels rise. This is why blood sugar levels can go up between the time you go to bed and the time you wake up.

what can you do about it?

You might be able to make changes in the timing of your meals, medications, or insulin injections to help prevent dawn phenomenon. First, keep a detailed record of what's happening in the evening and in the morning, including your blood sugar levels, eating habits, medications or insulin, and physical activity. Then, talk to your health care provider or diabetes educator about changes you can make to prevent dawn phenomenon.

Glucerna is the #1 Doctor Recommended nutritional shake for people with diabetes, and has CARBSTEADY^®, which includes low glycemic carbohydrates formulated to help minimize blood sugar spikes as part of a diabetes management plan. Try one today!

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The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView.
* Designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes compared to high-glycemic carbohydrates.
† Vitamins C and E.
‡ Offers may vary. Valuation based on maximum collective savings of offers throughout duration of program.
§ Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. FreeStyle Libre 2 system has the same features as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with optional real-time glucose alarms. Therefore, the study data is applicable to both products.
¶ For FreeStyle Libre 2 system: Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours.
# Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; It is not available for patients with gestational diabetes. Only patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor through their parent or guardian. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal or state healthcare programs or residents of Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and other US territories. The free FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one NDC per eligible person. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.
Medicare coverage is available for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system if the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader is used to review glucose data on some days every month. Medicare and other third party payor criteria apply.
Abbott provides this information as a courtesy, it is subject to change and interpretation. The customer is ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies for individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third party coverage or payment for our products or reimburse customers for claims that are denied by third party payors.
Glucerna is the #1 brand recommended by doctors for people with diabetes.
Use Glucerna under medical supervision as part of your diabetes management plan.
References: 1. Haak T, et al. Diabetes Ther. 2017;8(1):55-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6 2. Campbell FM, et al. Pediatr Diabetes. 2018;19(7):1294-1301. https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.12735 3. Al Hayek AA, et al. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes. 2020;13:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1177/1179551420910122 4. FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual.

Important Safety Information
FreeStyle Libre 2 system: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre 2 system as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.
ADC-39854 v2.0 06/22 *Designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes compared to high-glycemic carbohydrates.
† In the diabetes nutritional products category. ‡ NHANES data on file. 2017. Nutrition information sourced from the USDA National Nutrient Database. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov † Vitamins C and E. ‡ Offers may vary. Valuation based on maximum collective savings of offers throughout duration of program. Glucerna is the #1 brand recommended by doctors for people with diabetes.
Use Glucerna under medical supervision as part of your diabetes management plan.

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