What Are the Causes of Blood Sugar Higher in the Morning Than at Night?

Some diabetics find that their blood sugar levels are higher in the morning than they are at night. According to "Diabetes Forecast" magazine, this morning rise in blood glucose levels has three potential causes: the dawn phenomenon, the Somogyi effect, or waning insulin.

The Dawn Phenomenon

• As the Cleveland Clinic explains, between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. your body releases glucose and produces hormones that increase insulin resistance. While the dawn phenomenon is a natural part of your body getting ready for the day, it can result in higher morning blood sugar levels for diabetics.

Somogyi Effect

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, the Somogyi effect occurs when a blood sugar low during the night causes your body to produce hormones to increase blood glucose levels, resulting in higher morning blood sugar levels.

Waning Insulin

• Sometimes your evening dose of insulin wears off before morning, a phenomenon that "Diabetes Forecast" magazine calls waning insulin. The Cleveland Clinic identifies waning insulin as another aspect of the Somogyi effect.

Determining the Cause

• As the Mayo Clinic notes, to determine the cause of your high morning blood sugar levels your doctor may have you check your blood sugar level around 2 or 3 a.m. for a few nights.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on what's causing your blood sugar to be higher in the morning. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some options your doctor may discuss include changing the amount, timing, or type of your evening insulin or altering your eating habits.