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why is my morning reading so high ???

L

Lauraann

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chavs !!
been really 'good' for the past 4 weeks, eaten low carb, no chocolate (!) and excersing regularly, on waking my readings have been between 5.3-6.4 which is good for me as previously they were in the 11-12 region, I ususally take my readings at 7am, this morning I got up at 10am and it is 9.2 !! Why would this be as I have done nothing diferently and not eaten since 8pm last night, any help appreciated :?:
Laura
 
The key is in the time, and the "not eaten", Lauraann.

You've had a version of the Dawn Phenomenon. Your system would have been expecting your normal routine, and given you some glucose for fuel to start your day on. Because you've been 14 hours without food, and lain in bed that extra 3 hours, it gave you extra fuel to get you going. So a higher fasting BG.

Hope that helps.

Viv 8)
 
I get the DP, so if this is your body releasing BG to get you going, does this give a false reading for a fasting blood test? As you are told not to eat in morning then have a blood test at say 10am then surely your levels are up giving a false reading? And not a true reading after you have had breakfast?
 
I thought this at first - what's the point of taking a fasting BG test from a Type 2 who's been up 3 hours? it's bound to be false!

But the whole point is, that in a non-diabetic the pancreas would take care of the Dawn Phenomenon rise in BG levels, and issue enough insulin to bring the level back down to normal - fasting level less than 5.5 no matter what time of day it is.

But in a Type 2, who is either releasing insufficient insulin or who has insulin resistance, the BG level stays up - thus confirming the Type 2 status. If our fasting levels improve over time/with treatment/by diet, we are getting control. If they get worse, the HCP may need a re-think - maybe different meds?

Viv 8)
 
Hi. Once diagnosed, taking morning meter readings is fairly pointless. What you need to know is what foods are affecting you and by how much. This is best achieved by a test 2 hours after a main meal of the day. The Hba1c test is the other useful test.
 
im confused, so what is a good bg reading first thing in the morning or is this unreliable, usually when I see my diabetes specialist he always aks what my readings are in the morning :?:
 
For Type 2s, the target guideline for morning fasting (and before meals) is a reading between 4 and 7.

Some of us aim for non-diabetic morning fasting (and before meals) levels of between 3.5 and 5.5.

It took me several weeks to get consistently below 7, and I was not very high at diagnosis - highest-ever fasting was 9.0. It then took me several months to get consistently below 6, and I am now mostly in the high 4s and low/mid 5s.

I have also lost about 5 stone in weight. Weight loss often lessens insulin resistance, and therefore lowers BG levels. I think this is probably what has happened in my case.

As Daibell said, testing before and 2 hours after meals is probably more important, particularly if your strips are limited. Your 2 hrs post-meal reading should not be very far off your pre-meal reading. If it's not, something you ate was not good for you. I'm usually ok - I know what I can eat, and my menu doesn't vary much.

I like taking a morning fasting reading, though. It sort-of reminds me I have to be careful what I eat! It can also show if I'm sickening for something, if it's elevated for no apparent reason.

Viv 8)
 
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