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Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Changes: The Somogyi Effect & Dawn Phenomenon
1. The Somogyi Effect
The Somogyi effect happens when blood sugar drops too low at night. The body reacts by releasing hormones that raise blood sugar too much by morning
Possible Causes
- Taking too much insulin or diabetes medicine before going to sleep.
- Skipping dinner or not eating enough.
- Exercising in the evening without adjusting food or insulin
How to Manage It
- Have a small bedtime snack. Eating a mix of protein and carbohydrate can help like a glass of milk.
- Talk to your doctor. They may adjust your insulin or medication
2. The Dawn Phenomenon
The Dawn Phenomenon is when a person with diabetes experiences a natural rise in blood sugar levels early in the morning, usually between 4 AM and 8 AM, without eating anything.



