
Hyperglycemia is high blood glucose levels, while hypoglycemia is low blood glucose levels.

Waking up during the night and testing blood sugar can effectively determine whether these peaks result from the dawn phenomenon or other causes. the body correcting low blood sugar during the night, known as the Somogyi effect.eating sugary or high carbohydrate snacks before bed.Hyperglycemia can also occur as a result of: However, not all cases of high blood sugar levels in the morning result from the dawn phenomenon. This phenomenon typically occurs around 8 to 10 hours after an individual with diabetes sleeps. This condition occurs in the early morning when certain hormones, such as epinephrine, glucagon, and cortisol, cause the liver to release glucose into the blood. Dawn phenomenonĪ common cause of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes is the dawn phenomenon. It can also be a side effect of certain drugs. It may occur in people who are critically ill or injured when the body responds to extreme stress with hormonal changes that affect blood sugar levels.Īdditionally, hyperglycemia can occur in people with certain health conditions, such as pancreatic and hormonal disorders. Hyperglycemia in people who do not have diabetes is known as nondiabetic hyperglycemia.


Medication alterations: A doctor may recommend changing the timings or types of medication and insulin a person takes if their blood sugar levels remain elevated.Diet changes: Controlling portions during mealtimes and snacking less - along with monitoring carbohydrate quality and quantity - helps keep the amount of glucose at a level the body can handle.Exercise breaks down more fats and might speed up ketoacidosis. However, people should avoid exercise if they have severe hyperglycemia and find ketones in their urine. Exercise: Physical activity uses excess glucose in the blood.Blood glucose tests help catch hyperglycemia before it becomes a problem. Blood sugar monitoring: It is essential for a person with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels as recommended by their doctor.People with diabetes should self-monitor regularly to catch glucose levels before they reach the stage where they cause symptoms.Ī person with diabetes can take steps to reduce, prevent, and treat blood glucose spikes. Symptoms may also worsen the longer blood sugar levels remain high. Underlying health conditions and typical blood sugar levels can all affect the onset and severity of symptoms.Ī person may have hyperglycemia but experience no noticeable symptoms for years. Meanwhile, 2022 guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend defining hyperglycemia by the percentage of time a person spends above the 180 mg/dl threshold.Įven if a person has a blood glucose level above 180 mg/dl, symptoms may not occur immediately or at all. Some define hyperglycemia as a blood glucose level of more than 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) when fasting and 180 mg/dl after a meal. There are different diagnostic thresholds for hyperglycemia. Share on Pinterest seraficus/Getty Images
