How to Lower Night Time Glucose Levels

Hyperglycemia is a high level of glucose. There are a number of reasons for levels to be high at night. It may be that you ate a high fat meal at dinnertime or a high fat bedtime snack. You may have an illness or you may be under stress. It could be that your doctor needs to adjust your insulin, if you are on insulin. To avoid high glucose levels at night, you must start by monitoring your blood sugar levels to find out why the sugar is high.

Instructions

• 1

  Record your dinnertime meal. Write down everything you ate and write down how much you ate. Make note if you ate a lot of fat. Fat can keep blood glucose levels elevated for a long period.

• 2

  Check your blood sugar level later in the evening before you have a bedtime snack. Make sure that more than two hours have past since you had dinner. If your sugar is high, look to see what you ate at your dinner meal.

• 3

  Adjust what you eat at dinnertime. If you ate too many carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, adjust your meal planning to include more non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy vegetables, green beans and cauliflower. Make sure beef is lean cut. Choose more fish and poultry instead of the beef. Avoid fried foods. Bake, steam or broil your food. Avoid large amounts of butter or heavy salad dressings. If you have a salad, use a salad spritzer.

• 4

  Change your bedtime snack. If your blood sugar is high, do not eat carbohydrates, such as crackers or popcorn, for a bedtime snack. Eat a small amount of protein or sugar-free foods. String cheese is low in fat. Low-fat cottage cheese is a good choice. Try sugar-free flavored gelatin or a cup of broth, if you feel you need a night time snack.

• 5

  Work on stress-related issues if you are under a great deal of stress. Stress increases blood pressure and blood sugars. Organize your day better. Say no to people, if you don't have the time. Let insignificant issues pass and work only on what is important.

• 6

  Exercise. If you haven't been exercising, now is the time to start. Exercise uses blood sugar for energy and will lower your blood sugar levels. Aim for 150 minutes a week.

• 7

  Talk to your doctor. Keep records of your blood sugar levels throughout the day and see if you are developing a pattern of highs and lows. Discuss these levels with your doctor. You may need to adjust your insulin or medication, if you are on medication.