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High blood sugar in the morning is a popular topic – it seems to stump many people.
For instance, a while back I had a client sending me her blood sugar charts every few days and on those charts she always made some notes if she had questions.
Every time she sent them through, I noticed she had 3 big question marks (???) against her morning readings. And on another morning when her morning blood sugar levels were high at 160 mg/dl (or 8.9 mmol/l).
She had written:
I don’t understand. 97 mg/dl (or 5.5mmol/l) last night when I went to sleep. I didn’t eat anything because I didn’t feel well. Humm…
Here on the DMP blog we often receive comments like:
- Why is my reading in the morning higher than when I go to sleep?
- My morning numbers are always high no matter what I do. When I say high I mean 190. I am so frustrated and don’t understand why.
- Why does my blood glucose spike in my sleep giving me a high reading in the morning when I watch all I eat at dinner time?
Do these morning situations sound familiar to you? Are you constantly questioning why you have high blood sugar in the morning?
Logically we’d think that it should be at its lowest in the morning, right?
Well don’t panic, there is a reason for it, so let’s explore why morning blood sugar is often higher. And then we’ll discuss what you can do to help lower blood sugar in the morning.
![](https://diabetesmealplans.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blood-sugar-high-in-the-morningF.jpg)
Why Is Blood Sugar High In The Morning?
Although it would seem logical that your body would have the lowest blood glucose level in the morning, this often isn’t the case for the following 6 reasons.
1. Glucose Happens 24/7
All the cells in the body need glucose to fuel their function, even when we sleep.
Therefore the liver can produce sugar (glucose) by breaking down body stores (glycogen), a process called glycogenolysis. The liver can also manufacture sugar (glucose) from amino acids (proteins) in a process called gluconeogenesis.
![Gluconeogensis and glycogenolysis](https://diabetesmealplans.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Gluconeogensis-and-glyoneolisis.jpg)
Image courtesy: University of California
These processes ensure the body and brain have adequate fuel so they can continue to go about their functions.
The point is: glucose production in the body will still occur when you don’t eat or if you skip a meal because the body always maintains glucose at a certain level in order to function.
2. Hormones Raise Blood Glucose (the Dawn Phenomenon)
Around 3-4 am each morning, there are a collection of counter regulatory hormones that are signaled in the body: glucagon, epinephrine, growth hormone, and cortisol, which result in a rise in blood sugar.
This change in hormones occurs to stimulate our awakening, to get us moving and to give us energy. This is referred to as the Dawn Phenomenon or Dawn Effect.
This is in fact a ‘normal’ response. This occurs in everyone, diabetic or not.
However, if you have diabetes or prediabetes there is one additional factor that impacts both the overnight glucose production and the rise in glucose with cortisol, and that is decreased insulin production or decreased utilization of insulin.
3. Decreased Insulin Production or Utilization of Insulin
Because most people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes have either decreased insulin levels or decreased utilization of insulin, there is either not enough insulin being produced to bring the rising blood sugar levels down, even during the night when you are sleeping.
In this scenario, your body is still producing glucose, your hormones are still doing their thing, but insulin production is low so your body is unable to couteract the effects of the glucose and hormone change.
The other scenario is that your levels of insulin resistance are preventing effective utilization of insulin, which results in high levels. You may be producing sufficient insulin, even during the night, but your cells are not opening in response to insulin, therefore glucose remains in the bloodstream.
![How insulin works](https://diabetesmealplans.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/how-insulin-works.jpg)
4. Hypoglycemia known as the Somogyi Effect
This is less common but in some people with diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur while you are sleeping.
The Somogyi effect is more common in diabetics who are insulin dependent. It’s when your body’s glucose levels decrease quite significantly overnight (nocturnal hypoglycemia) and as a result your emergency system is activated. This sends messages to your hormones and organs to stimulate more glucose production to help raise your levels.
If you’re insulin dependent and trying to identify why your blood sugar is so high in the morning, you might want to wake yourself up during the night to test your levels, just in case this might be your situation and your insulin dose needs to be adjusted, for instance, implementing a long-acting insulin. Or in some cases, people may choose to use a continuous insulin pump.
You can read more about the Somogyi effect here.
5. Poor Food Choices
Poor food choices has a profound impact on your blood glucose and A1c levels, and therefore your early morning levels too.
Regardless of the time of day, poor food choices will impact your glucose levels negatively.
Your goal is to clean up your diet, and stick to eating recommended foods that support good blood sugar control.
6. Poor Overall Glucose Control
If your daily averages are coming in well above the normal healthy range for blood sugar levels, chances are your fasting levels are going to be high as well.
Good blood sugar control means keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. And if you can keep them within the healthy range, that’s even better.
You need to know your numbers…
Aim for fasting levels:
- Between 70-100 mg/dL or 4-5.6 mmol/l (optimal)
- 70-110 mg/dL or 4-6 mmol/l (considered good control)
- 70-130 mg/dL or 4-7.2 mmol/l (more liberal, but realistic for many)
- 2 hrs post meal the ideal is under 140 mg/dl or 7.8 mmol/l – the lower your postprandial blood glucose is post meal (for instance 120/ 6.7), the better.
There is some variation in numbers worldwide and your physician may also set you more stringent goals, or more lenient goals.
The point is: keep an eye on your numbers. If you’ve constantly got numbers that are running high during the day, chances are they are going to be even higher in the mornings.
Your goal is to bring your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, then naturally the morning levels do come down as well.
Still, even when you have good control of your daily levels, those morning numbers may still be a little high.
So what can you do? Let’s look at some proven strategies.
![](https://diabetesmealplans.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/why-is-blood-sugar-high-in-the-morning.jpg)
Lifestyle Strategies To Lower Morning Blood Sugar Levels
The truth is, that despite the fact we know the Dawn Phenomenon exists, and worsens morning blood sugar in those with diabetes and prediabetes, researchers still haven’t solved exactly how to lower morning levels.
However, try some of the following methods to see if they work for you. Every person is different and while there is no one proven method for lowering morning levels, many people do report one, or a combination of the following helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Cheese Before Bed
One small study found that having 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 oz (28 g) cheese (which is just 1 slice cheese) before bed may help reduce morning glucose by 4% to 6%.
Cheese on it’s own may reduce it by 2% but the acetic acid in the vinegar exerts additional positive influence. The best apple cider vinegar to use is this one by Braggs. If you can’t stomach the vinegar, you can also purchase capsules. As for best cheese, cheddar is one of the best choices here, though you could try other options if you wish.
*NOTE: this tip alone is proving to help many people.
TESTIMONIALS:
“After 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar & 1 oz cheese last night, my FBS in the morning is 98. It works!” ~Dianne
“I tried the vinegar and cheese before bed. It actually worked. My fasting reading was lower this morning. Thanks!” ~Michelle
Try it yourself: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (mixed in some water) with 1 oz (28 g) cheese (which is just 1 slice cheese) before bed.
![cheese and vinegar for morning blood sugar](https://diabetesmealplans.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cheese-and-vinegar-for-morning-blood-sugarF.jpg)
Have a Bedtime Snack
The best type of snack is a protein/fat snack combined, not something high in carbs.
Here are a few ideas:
- A tablespoon of natural peanut butter (great on pieces of celery for some fiber filling goodness)
- A small piece of chicken with avocado or 5 olives
- A small handful of macadamia nuts
- A couple of slices of cheese
Sleep Soundly
Make sure you get a good restful sleep every day because lack of sleep can increase cortisol production (your key stress hormone) and this pushes glucose levels higher. Sleep quality has a big influence on blood sugar levels.
Avoid Alcohol
Although drinking alcohol might seem relaxing it is best to steer clear of it because it’s actually a stimulant and prevents deep REM sleep.
Eat Protein In The Morning
To help bring blood sugar levels down, eat something when you get up but make sure it’s a protein – or a balanced protien/fat/veggie breakfast such as a mixed veggie egg scramble.
If you go and eat loads of carbs for breakfast when your blood glucose is already high, it will only push it up further. The message here is: toast and cereals are often the worst offenders.
Eat Well Every Day
Morning blood sugar levels are all tied up with everything else you do throughout the day.
And one of the best ways to to manage your diabetes or prediabetes is to eat a healthy diet every day – eat the right type of carbs, eat the right amount of carbs, and minimize the most problematic foods – the high carb offenders: sugar, bread, rice, pasta, cereals, and potatoes.
The food you eat has a direct impact on your blood sugar and A1c levels. And the more controlled you can keep your blood sugars overall, the better your morning sugars will be as well.
You’ll find plenty of diet resources on our website. And if you need further help, consider joining as a member.
Supplements to Help Lower Morning Blood Sugar Levels
A variety of supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing fasting glucose levels.
Cinnamon
The average results from two months of cinnamon supplementation at about 3g/day is a reduction in fasting blood glucose by 11.8 mg/dl (0.66 mmol/l).
Polyphenols in cinnamon provide many benefits such as enhancing insulin signaling, improving glucose transport into cells, and reducing insulin resistance.
Chromium
A review of chromium supplementation found that fasting blood glucose can be reduced by 9 mg/dl (0.5 mmol/l) to 31 (1.72 mmol/l).
Researchers suggest this is due to enhancement of insulin action.
Garlic
Taking approximately 300 mg of garlic powder for 8-24 weeks has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose by approximately 35.8 mg/dl (2 mmol/l).
Researchers suggest garlic helps enhance insulin sensitivity, exerts insulin-like activity, enhances pancreatic beta cell function and inhibits carbohydrate metabolism.
L-Carnosine
L-carnosine 1000 mg per day for 12 weeks showed a 13.1 mg/dL (0.7 mmol/l) reduction in fasting blood glucose levels.
L-carnosine is naturally found in muscle tissue and when taken as a supplement helps modify glucose metabolism, provides antioxidant, protects against glycation and reduces inflammation.
Aloe Vera
A review of aloe vera found a reduction in fasting glucose levels by 46.6 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l). Aloe vera was either taken by supplement 50-300 mg per day, or juice 15 – 30 mL.
Although the exact mechanisms are unclear, proposed mechanisms include the expression of the genes related to glucose metabolism and reduced insulin resistance. Aloe vera contains over 75 active components, some of which are trace elements of chromium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc that are important in the metabolism of glucose.
Berberine
The effects of berberine on fasting blood sugar levels is very impressive. When people with type 2 diabetes were given 500 mg of berberine per day, 3 times per day, for 13 weeks, fasting blood glucose reduced by 68 mg/dL (3.78 mmol/l).
Berberine has many potent glucose-lowering properties. If you’d like to learn more about it, we’ve written about berberine extensively over here.
Many of the above supplements have also been shown to control blood sugar overall, along with lowering A1c, as well as providing several other benefits.
The best rule of thumb here is not to go out and take every single supplement, but try taking one supplement for a time and see if it exerts any benefits for you. If not you can try exchanging it for another one to evaluate its effects.
Always be aware that any blood sugar lowering supplements can potentially cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You should always seek medical advice before supplementing, especially if taking medications.
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![5 Therapeutic Agents to Lower High Morning Blood Sugar Levels](https://diabetesmealplans.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Agents-to-lower-morning-blood-sugar.jpg)
Conclusion
Unfortunately there is no one size fits all solution to solve the high blood sugar in the morning dilemma. Sometimes people can do everything possible and still have morning levels that always come in a little high.
Hopefully in the near future, researchers will uncover a way we can solve the issue more permanently. But in the meantime, the best thing you can do is bring your daily levels down within a healthy range and maintain them there, as this will also influence morning levels.
Second to that you can try some of the strategies above to see if they make a difference for you.
If you’ve found something specific that works for you, please share in the comments below so others can try your tips, too!
YOUR TASK: 21 Day Lower Blood Sugar Challenge™
- Re-evaluate your blood sugar goals – you may already be within the healthy range, and that’s great – keep up the great work so you can keep them there! If you’re not, continue to work toward making diet and lifestyle changes because the more you can regulate your daily levels, the higher chance you have of your fasting levels coming within range.
- Implement some strategies – one of the most useful strategies to lower morning levels is to take apple cider vinegar with cheese at bedtime. We’ve seen this work well for many people. And even participants in the challenge have been trying it with success. See the details above on how to take it.
Commit to yourself and apply what we share because we know what we share can help you get results.
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TESTIMONIAL: “I used your program after I found out I was Type 2. It has been over a year and with your program and the great information in it, I have been able to keep my A1C at a 6 – it started out around 9.5! Thanks for all your help.” ~Joann B, DMP Member
Would you recommend taking a blood sugar lowering supplement before going to bed since my readings are usually high in the morning?
Before reaching for a supplement, first look at your overall daily habits in regard to nutrition, sleep and exercise as all of these can play a role in morning blood sugar levels. If you know your nutrition is in a good place and you are getting good sleep, exercise etc, then it’s certainly worth trying one of the supplements. I would advise to start with one at a time and evaluate the individual impact of that supplement versus adding multiple ones because then you won’t know which one is or isn’t working for you. My suggestion would be to start with the berberine supplement as evidence shows it has the most dramatic effect on blood sugars compared to the other supplements.
Hi.
Since 2016 year of December started my hba1c was 6.8%. and then I follow Dr’s advice to take medicine after 3months my hba1c was 5.3% till now I have 5.6%. and my fast blood glucose is higher than normal like 157mg/DL that test using glucose test meter at home after 30mins FBS got 149mg/DL but I had experience the same above and then if I go to test in lab FBS get always normal. What is the difference between test at home and at lab? Is there any need for my change diet and lifestyle?
Please let me know. I am hearing impaired and my age is 31yrs.
Thanks regards.
Great questions- A1c measures the AVERAGE blood sugar reading from a 2-3 month period, a finger stick (whether done at home or at the lab) is representative of your sugar level at that moment, so there can be variation. Blood sugar is always changing, and small fluctuations like that are nothing to worry about.
Your FBS appears to be running a little high, as you read in this article this is a common problem for many people. And everyone can benefit from diet and lifestyle changes so YES now is a great time to start making small changes. You may find even better blood sugar control with a low carbohydrate diet if you aren’t allowing following such a diet.
Thanks alot for helping diabetic patient. Testing my blood sugar after three months is 6. 9. Am I sugar patient.
Your goal is to keep your fasting (morning) blood sugar under 7.2 mmol/L or 130 mg/dL (even better control under 5.6 mmol/L or 100 mg/dL), and your A1c under 7% (or even better under 6.5%). Anything above this is an indication that you need to work with your doctor to start making lifestyle changes to gain more control over your sugar levels.
I woke up sugar 120 but low durring day
Having higher levels in the morning is common William, as you read above. There’s no one specific solution, unfortunately. But some supplements and dietary changes can help.
hi doc my fasting blood sugar is 128mg/dl and post lunch after 2 hours is 103 mg/dl my age is 26 is it normal or I have developed diabetes
Your goal is to keep your fasting blood sugar under 126 mg/dl, and your post meal readings under 140 mg/dl. Was the 128 mg/dl reading a single occurrence or is this your average? A single occurrence is less of a concern, however if this is a reoccurring number you will want to work with your doctor to make appropriate life style changes as you may be prediabetic/ diabetic. Here is a great article about lowering your morning sugar levels!
Here is my situation: AM blood sugar between 130-155, nights two hours after dinner between 85-115. We eat dinner at 5:30PM nightly, get up at 6AM each morning, a lot of evenings – no snacks after dinner time. Should I eat something prior to bedtime? What kind of protein snack is a good choice to try and lower a.m. blood sugar? I feel it is the Dawn Phenomonon.
Yes, the Dawn Phenomenon may be the culprit in this situation. Here are a few solutions to help bring your morning blood sugar closer to normal range, there are a few suggestions for some nice protein snacks in that article as well. Some people find that a bedtime snack helps lower morning highs!
I went to the doctor and my sugar was 600,so my doctor to me to check my sugar every hour and take 10 unit every hour and drink nothing but water and I did just that,before I went to bed it was at 95,woke up it was back up 263,what going on in my sleep
Waking up with high blood sugar in the morning can be a problem for many diabetics. This info does a nice job explaining the possible mechanisms behind morning highs. Continue to make diet and lifestyle changes and work with your doctor to get your blood sugar under control. As you achieve more control, that will help with morning levels too.
Hi..I have a funny problem here…my HBA1C is abt 7.6 last tested. When i was monitoring my BS following observed with time…
2200. 170
0400. 125
0630. 102
0700. 111
0800. 144
I did not have any breakfast till 0800. Dinner was at 2000 followed by a 45 min brisk walk from 2030 to 2115. Why the funny readings? Can u help?..
It is normal for blood sugar to fluctuate during the day. Exercise is great to include in any diabetes management plan (so keep it up!), and realize your 2200 reading is only 2 hours post dinner, so the meal you consumed will still be affecting your blood sugar levels. If it’s still higher than 140 at 2 hours, you might want to assess how many carbs you’re eating. As far as the rise overnight/ morning levels, check out this info for some possible explanations and solutions.
My age is 30 n mine is 6.83. ?Now what should I do ?
Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes Jayee?
Hi, I’m Emily, I have a few questions. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes two years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. After I had her the doctors informed me that it was gone and I just needed to watch my health and eat right. So now two years later after dropping 40 pounds and now doing triathlons,and running marathons. I’m very much in shape. I’m experiencing blood sugar issues, and weight loss that I cannot afford to lose. My sugar is very high in the morning, 140-170 and then it drops gradually after breakfast, after spiking to 200. By the end of the day it falls back into normal range 90-130 before bed. Then I wake up with high sugar again. I train in the morning before work from 5-7 am. And sometimes my sugar is higher after my workout then it was when I first woke up. The highest I’ve seen it is 211. I’m really concerned. I am going to the doctor. But I’m worried that my levels are off and my body is malnourished due to my levels being off. I dropped four pounds in three days. I’m only 5,4 117 pounds . I eat all the time. Constant really to keep up with what I do everyday. But somewhere my levels are off and throwing off my sugars. Any advice appreciated. Thank-you.
Our specialty here is type 2 diabetes and prediabetes Emily. In any case, it’s best to talk to your doctor about these concerns, as it does sound like things are not normal.
My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about a year ago. The doctors have recently raised the amount of insulin she needs to take with her breakfast and now we are noticing her sugars are almost to 300 at lunch. Should I put her insulin back to 1 unit per 15g of carbs instead of 13?
Our expertise is with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. But in any case, it really is best to consult with your daughter’s physician about your concerns and queries.
Hi I have been diagnosed this July 2017 as type 2. My blood sugar was 493 when I went to the e.r. bc of dizzy symptoms and blurred vision. I was put on lantus 25 units for 26 days and have want myself off of course I got the o.k. from my doctor who told me I would have to take insulin for the rest of my life. But I’m now on metformin 2 times a day and after every meal I eat before I test at the 2 hour peak I’m already down before the 2 hours is that hypo or normal.
Linda, We’re not quite clear on your question. You’re asking something about 2 hour testing?
My bloid sugars are in the 200 hundreds of a morning and i have trouble snacking after dinner.
You don’t need to snack after dinner, perhaps look at the rest of your diet and how your numbers are running through the day. If they are running high, you need to work on your overall numbers, not just morning. If it’s only morning, could be Dawn Phenomenon.
Hi, my BS is high in the morning about 120-147.
2-3 hrs after meal is 93-100.
i am not on any pills, I refused that from my dr.
Thank you for your reply. Eating foods in my house I have always been pretty lenient. My boys are thin and having grown up extremely poor if they want food I feed them. Damian eats much healthier than my older son actually liking fruits and vegetables. I let them have the occasional junk food Cheetos or popcorn and I let them have cookies (health craze has taken over our school system to the point where my kids were afraid of ANY cookies at all) I even found my oldest child counting calories once because his teachers said he was obese. This is the skinniest kid in the world, you can see every bone in his body his anatomy class last year even did a project where they just put a shirt over him and traced out the bones. I only let them have one soda a day period and I keep some sodas as off limits like mountain dew. Friday’s are a big deal at a my house because I let them have two sodas. 2nd soda Friday. Yeah I was confused about the symptoms too, it does kind of seem like it could be one or the other, but I am more familiar with adult type II so i just don’t know. I am definitely making an appointment with his pediatrician on monday and my aunt told me to keep a log of food and time and blood sugar, she says the doc is going to want that stuff anyway. It just seems so irresponsible of that doc to dismiss everything and just tell my son that I’m overreacting and his blood sugar wasn’t 135. He wouldn’t even look at the glucose meter I brought. And I made sure he washed his hands before I took the readings.
Thank you again for responding.