Low blood sugar in the morning, also known as morning hypoglycemia, can make people feel weak, light-headed, or confused when they wake up.
Low blood sugar in the morning is common in people on diabetes medication, though for other reasons as well.
In this article, we look at the reasons why blood sugar levels go down in the morning, the symptoms of hypoglycemia, and how you can treat and prevent this from happening.
What causes low blood sugar in the morning?
Low blood sugar can make a person feel unconscious or light-headed.
When people go hungry for a long time, their blood sugar levels drop. Since most people do not get up to eat, blood sugar levels can drop overnight.
Following a period without food, blood sugar levels are known as fasting blood sugar.
Usually, overnight fasting will not affect blood sugar levels, because the body will prevent it from falling to dangerous levels; for example, the liver releases its stored sugar overnight.
The average blood sugar level of a diabetic person is between 70 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL). A person with diabetes can measure their blood sugar levels in the morning before breakfast.
When blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg / dL, people can get symptoms of low blood sugar. Some people may feel very sick with blood sugar levels of 70 mg / dL, while others may not notice any symptoms until their blood sugar drops below this level.
A person with normal episodes of hypoglycemia will gradually notice these symptoms. On the other hand, a person who tends to have high blood sugar levels can develop symptoms even at levels that are considered normal.
A pregnant woman is more likely to experience morning hypoglycemia because her body uses more calories to help grow the developing fetus.
Other causes of low blood sugar in the morning include:
medications for diabetes, especially long-acting diabetes medications for the sulfonylurea or insulin family
other drugs, such as pneumonia drug pentamidine
drinking alcohol, especially for people with type 1 diabetes
immune failure, mainly due to chronic kidney disease
recent abdominal surgery, especially bariatric (weight loss) surgery
an abnormal enzyme or hormonal disruption that makes it difficult for the body to absorb or break down glucose
a sudden increase in activity levels, especially in people with diabetes, because exercise can lower blood glucose
vomiting or diarrhea
low-carbohydrate foods
insulin-producing tumor (insulinoma)
other hormonal imbalances, such as low adrenal function and low growth hormone
accidental entry of anti-diabetic drugs
In rare cases, low blood sugar may be due to cancer, especially tissues that secrete substances such as insulin or use high levels of glucose.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
Headaches are a common disease when blood sugar levels continue to drop.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia range from mild to severe. Initially, a person will experience symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, hand tremors, and hunger.
However, if blood sugar levels continue to drop, a person may begin to experience headaches, confusion, personality changes, irritability, seizures, and even coma if left untreated.
Common symptoms include:
feeling jittery, shaky, or sweating
loss of connection
anxiety
resentment
fatigue
a headache
fatigue
whiteness
difficulty concentrating
rapid heartbeat
pale
personality changes
hunger, including physical symptoms of starvation, such as nausea or stomach upset
muscle pain
blurred vision
If hypoglycemia is left untreated, the symptoms can become worse. This is very common in people who use insulin to control their diabetes and experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar, which may make them unaware of the early warning signs.
Symptoms of very low blood sugar include:
fainting and loss of consciousness
epilepsy
Anyone suffering from very low blood sugar should see a doctor immediately as it is a medical emergency. People who are unable to provide organ transplants or who have other serious medical conditions, including diabetes, should go to the emergency room.
Treatment
Treatment of hypoglycemia depends on the cause. When hunger is a factor, eating sugary foods, such as fruits and pancakes, can quickly raise blood glucose levels.
Using fast carbohydrates, such as eight ounces of fruit juice, regular coke, glucose pills, or candy is also a good way to treat low blood sugar levels.
People with diabetes who often experience low blood sugar in the morning may need to change their medication or change their diet. However, always discuss symptoms with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medication.
People who develop hypoglycemia due to alcohol may need to avoid alcohol. Alcoholism (AUD) is a dangerous medical condition and withdrawal can be difficult.
People who drink heavily should consult a physician about their treatment. A person with AUD and diabetes or any other medical condition may need medical prescription drug withdrawal.
When hypoglycemia is due to a temporary illness, such as a stomach ache, drinking too much water or drinking an electrolyte drink can help prevent thirst. If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than a few days, see a doctor.
Other causes of morning hypoglycemia can be dangerous or life-threatening. Therefore, people who regularly experience low blood sugar in the morning should see a doctor.
Keeping track of symptoms can help to get an accurate diagnosis. It can also help a person find out what causes low blood sugar in the morning and how to prevent it from happening.
Prevention
Eating fruits and pancakes for breakfast will quickly raise blood sugar levels.
It may not be possible to prevent low blood sugar in the morning when the symptoms are caused by a serious health condition, which is why it is important to deal with a lower condition.
However, staying well nourished and eating a regular diet can prevent symptoms from getting worse.
When caused by malnutrition, a person can prevent symptoms by:
to avoid a low-carbohydrate diet, which can cause low blood sugar
eating spice before bedtime
to choose the simplest diet, as fiber-rich foods reduce glucose absorption and can help prevent low blood sugar in the morning
eat small, regular meals every day than three large meals
People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels throughout the day. They can see a pattern that can help them protect their blood sugar levels.
Changing your diabetes medication, or in some cases, stopping it, may help, but always see a doctor before making any medication changes.
Vision
Low blood sugar in the morning occurs for many different reasons. It is important that you do not examine yourself. Even if the symptoms disappear after a meal, consider making a permanent lifestyle change to reduce the risk of blood sugar drops in the morning.
Healthy changes include eating dinner later or snack before bed. See a doctor for help with low blood sugar every morning.
Low blood sugar prevents the body from getting the energy it needs and is a medical emergency. Therefore, if eating does not reduce the symptoms, one should go to the emergency room or call a reputable physician.
Most people who get low blood sugar in the morning can manage the symptoms with a simple lifestyle change. Although low blood sugar can make a person feel very sick, it is not always a cause for concern.
When blood sugar levels are dangerously low, immediate treatment will increase the chances of a full recovery.