If you’re dealing with symptoms such as tiredness, blurred vision, increased thirst, a dry mouth, or unintentional weight loss, there’s a chance that you might be having high blood sugar, which is also known as hyperglycemia. Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) occur when the concentration of glucose in a person’s bloodstream surpasses the normal range. This metabolic imbalance predominantly impacts individuals living with diabetes and needs careful attention, as it can lead to severe complications if proper medical treatment doesn’t kick in.
Hyperglycemia arises when the natural regulatory mechanisms for blood sugar control of the body become disrupted, resulting in an excessive buildup of glucose in the bloodstream.

For some people, blood sugar levels could go high during the night, but the good news is that the condition can be prevented.

High blood sugar at night triggers various symptoms

When it comes to slightly elevated blood sugar levels during sleep, there is usually no immediate cause for concern in terms of immediate health risks. It is common for those who have diabetes to experience occasional bouts of higher glucose levels. However, it is crucial to address frequent or persistent hyperglycemia, particularly if the levels become extremely high, such as above 250 mg/dl.

There are some symptoms that will kick in if your blood sugar levels go high during the night. Therefore, feel free to take a test if you experience these symptoms during the night:

• Frequent waking up to drink water or urinate
• Dry mouth
• Poor sleep
• Nausea
• Extreme thirst
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Weakness

The list of symptoms could continue, but these are the most important ones.

How to manage blood sugar levels overnight

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels during the night is important for those who have diabetes. By monitoring glucose levels, adjusting mealtime insulin, as well as making strategic lifestyle choices, you can work towards achieving better control. Here’s what you need to take into account:

• Optimize Basal Insulin: If you rely on basal insulin, evaluate if adjusting the dosage or timing can better cover your evening meal. It’s best to consult with your healthcare team to determine the optimal nighttime insulin regimen for you.
• Adjust Evening Meal: If your blood sugar is already high before bed, it’s a good idea to modify the timing and composition of your evening meal. Consider low-carb, early dinners, and avoid eating large amounts of food close to bedtime. You can experiment with different mealtime insulin doses to find what works best for you.
• Type 2 Diabetes Considerations: If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you need to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure that your medication regimen addresses overnight hyperglycemia effectively.
• Utilize Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): If available, employ a CGM system to keep an eye on those glucose levels throughout the night. Analyze the data to identify correlations between behaviors, such as physical activity and food choices, and nighttime glucose patterns.
• Explore Insulin Pump or AID Systems: Consider using an insulin pump or automated insulin delivery (AID) system, as these devices can automatically regulate basal insulin doses during the night, promoting stable glucose levels.
• Dawn Phenomenon and Medication Timing: If you deal with high blood sugar in the morning despite being in range before bed, discuss the dawn phenomenon and potential medication adjustments with your healthcare provider. Timing your basal insulin dose closer to bedtime or increasing basal rates with an insulin pump around 3 am may be beneficial.
• Monitor Glucose Levels: You have to regularly check your blood sugar levels before bed, during the night (between midnight and 3 am), and upon waking up.
• Collaborate with Healthcare Team: Share your observations with your healthcare team, as their expertise can help you develop personalized strategies for stabilizing blood sugar throughout the night.

Prediabetes silently affects a staggering number of American adults, with a staggering 96 million individuals, representing over one-third of the population, grappling with this condition. Shockingly, the majority of these people, more than 8 in 10, remain oblivious to their prediabetic state, unaware of the potential health risks they face.

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