High fasting sugar levels can be a cause for concern for many individuals. It is important to understand why this may happen and what steps can be taken to address it.
Aside from the dawn phenomenon, there are a few other reasons why your blood sugar may be high in the morning. You’ll also want to avoid all sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, fruit punch, fruit drinks, and sweet tea. Just a single serving can raise your blood sugar — and, in some cases, give you hundreds of extra calories. This could be because a condition such as diabetes or prediabetes is interfering with your body’s ability to use sugar. White bread, white rice, soda, candy, breakfast cereals, and desserts are all examples of refined carbohydrates.
Causes of High Fasting Sugar
It is relatively more challenging for the body to use insulin and manage blood sugar levels with overweight or obesity. The body fails to actively respond to insulin due to extra weight in the body. It results in increased high fasting blood glucose levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin insensitivity leads to weight gain, leading to poor insulin sensitivity, creating a loop.
People with type 1 and 2 diabetes can also consume these dishes to manage their blood sugar levels. In the early hours of the morning, the liver boosts the production of glucose, which provides energy that helps you wake up. In addition, it triggers the pancreas to release insulin to keep blood glucose levels in check.
Your doctor may change the amount, timing, or type of diabetes medications you take. It’s important to treat high blood sugar right away to help avoid more health problems. If your doctor has prescribed you blood sugar medication, ensure that you’re following dosage and timing recommendations. Fasting hyperglycemia can happen when you have some health conditions, such as diabetes or difficulties with your pancreas or endocrine system. Added sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup aren’t necessary for your nutritional intake. Your body quickly breaks these simple sugars down, resulting in a rapid rise in blood sugar.
There are several reasons why fasting sugar levels may be elevated:
- Poor diet: Consuming high amounts of sugary and processed foods can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Lack of exercise: Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels, so a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to high fasting sugar.
- Stress: Chronic stress can impact hormone levels, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids or antipsychotics, can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Both conditions can cause you to go into a coma, and even lead to death if they aren’t treated. Living with hyperglycemia can mean other health problems, some that mean you need help right away and others that you may live with for the rest of your life. Jillian holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Stony Brook University School of Medicine as well as an undergraduate degree in nutrition science.
It isn’t just stress and sleep that can cause fluctuations in hormones. Illness, physical pain and trauma, menopause or menstruation can as well. In any of these instances, your blood glucose levels may rise due to the changes in your hormone levels. While a high glucose value can indicate diabetes, nondiabetics can also have higher values than normal. Traditional glucose measurements, like a single point in time blood glucose value, are unable to capture these abnormalities. This is due to the effect of insulin falling and the rising counter-regulatory hormones including increased sympathetic tone, noradrenaline, cortisol and growth hormone, in addition to glucagon.
Effects of High Fasting Sugar
Having consistently high fasting sugar levels can have serious consequences on your health:
- Diabetes: Untreated high blood sugar can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Heart disease: Elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage can occur due to sustained high blood sugar levels.
Managing High Fasting Sugar
If you have high fasting sugar levels, there are steps you can take to help lower them:
- Dietary changes: Focus on consuming whole foods, high in fiber and low in added sugars.
- Regular exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Stress management: Find ways to reduce stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be necessary to help control blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important to monitor fasting sugar levels?
A: Monitoring fasting sugar levels can help identify potential health issues early on and allow for prompt intervention.
Q: How often should fasting sugar levels be checked?
A: It is recommended to check fasting sugar levels at least once a year during a regular check-up with your healthcare provider.
By understanding the reasons behind high fasting sugar levels and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can protect your overall health and well-being.
