Have you ever noticed that your blood sugar level is higher in the morning than in the evening, even though you didn't eat anything forbidden before bed? This phenomenon is often encountered by people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, sometimes glucose levels rise even after completely abstaining from an evening snack.
For example, one patient with type 2 diabetes and a glycated hemoglobin level of 7.5% noticed an interesting pattern. If she ate a boiled egg before bed, her morning glucose levels remained at 7–8 mmol/L. However, if she went to bed hungry, her blood sugar level exceeded 9 mmol/L in the morning. Specialists explain that this effect is related to the body's functioning during sleep.
Why Blood Sugar May Rise in the Morning
Many patients are surprised by high fasting glucose levels despite following dietary recommendations. One reason may be natural physiological processes.
Somogyi Phenomenon
This effect occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low at night. The body perceives this state as a threat and begins to produce stress hormones — cortisol, adrenaline, and glucagon.
Under their influence, the liver starts to actively release glucose into the blood to provide energy to the body. As a result, in the morning, blood sugar levels may be significantly higher than expected.
Modern continuous monitoring systems show that the true Somogyi phenomenon occurs less frequently than previously thought. However, it is still possible in some patients, especially with certain treatment regimens.
Dawn Phenomenon
Another common reason is the so-called dawn phenomenon.
Between 4 and 8 a.m., the body begins to prepare for waking up. During this time, the production of growth hormone and cortisol increases, which stimulates glucose production in the liver.
In a healthy person, this process is compensated by sufficient insulin production. In type 2 diabetes, such compensation is often insufficient, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
What Studies Showed About Evening Snacks
In one study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, researchers compared the effects of different evening snacks in people with type 2 diabetes.
Participants were offered:
- one boiled egg;
- yogurt;
- complete abstinence from snacking.
The results showed that a protein-fat snack in the form of an egg provided more stable glucose levels in the morning compared to yogurt. Additionally, participants experienced fewer nighttime fluctuations in blood sugar and better insulin sensitivity. However, researchers found no significant advantage of the egg compared to complete abstinence from food.
Why a Protein Snack May Be More Beneficial
Protein products are digested more slowly and do not cause sharp spikes in glucose.
Possible options for an evening snack include:
- boiled egg;
- a small portion of cottage cheese;
- a handful of nuts;
- natural unsweetened yogurt with high protein content.
On the other hand, sweet yogurts, baked goods, candies, and other products with a high amount of fast carbohydrates may worsen morning blood sugar levels.
When to See a Doctor
Specialists warn that a snack before bed should not be considered a universal solution to the problem.
In some cases, normal morning levels may mask nighttime episodes of hypoglycemia. Therefore, with regular fluctuations in blood sugar, it is advisable to discuss the situation with an endocrinologist.
One of the most informative methods is continuous glucose monitoring over several days. It helps to understand what is happening at night and whether treatment adjustments are needed.
A protein low-carbohydrate snack before bed can indeed help some people with type 2 diabetes improve their morning glucose levels compared to carbohydrate snacks. However, this method is not suitable for everyone and does not replace properly tailored therapy, dietary control, and regular monitoring by a doctor.
High morning blood sugar levels are not always related to dietary mistakes the day before, writes bb.lv. Glucose levels can be influenced by natural processes occurring in the body during sleep, as well as the specifics of diabetes treatment. A protein snack before bed — such as an egg, cottage cheese, or a small portion of nuts — helps stabilize morning readings for some patients. However, this approach is not a universal solution and does not replace consultation with an endocrinologist. If morning sugar levels remain elevated regularly, it is important to determine the cause with a specialist and adjust treatment if necessary.
