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This can be frustrating! Blood sugar checks give you a snapshot of what your blood sugar is like at that moment in time. What they don’t tell you is how it got there.
It’s not uncommon to have higher blood sugar in the morning. Your body releases natural hormones that cause your liver to produce sugar overnight so your body stays fueled. This happens in people with and without diabetes. But for people with diabetes, it can be more sugar than their body can handle — leading to high morning blood sugar. Here are a few things that may help:
- Exercise helps your body use sugar better. Aim for 30 minutes a day.
- Heavy evening meals can linger through the night. Try a lighter dinner with veggies, lean protein, and healthy fat.
- If you are hungry for a snack in the evening, choose one that is balanced.
- The time you take your medicine matters. Be sure to always take meds on time.
- Lack of sleep causes blood sugar to rise. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night.
Having higher blood sugar in the morning doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It can, however, be a sign that you may need to make changes to your diabetes plan or talk to your doctor.
Have more questions?
Message a coach through your Livongo app or schedule a session here.
Lauren D.
Lauren completed her undergraduate work at Ohio State University with dual degrees in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and French Studies. She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and Chronic Care Professional (CCP). Having type 1 diabetes is what led her to the path of becoming a diabetes educator. Some of her favorite hobbies are playing board games, cooking with friends and family, and playing volleyball.
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