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dawn phenomenon

I have this condition of very high sugar readings in the morning. before any intake, etc. As high as 207. last A1C was 6.7.
I'm curious if others experience this and how or if it affects them.
Also if we can do anything to lower that....
thanks! Russ

  1. Hi! I hope others will chime in to share their experiences with the dawn phenomenon and how it affects them. I can say that I have seen a lot of people share they experience this as well and that it's really frustrating!

    For those that aren't as familiar with the dawn phenomenon, this article explains it well: https://type2diabetes.com/clinical/morning-high-blood-sugar



    A community member posted about this around a year ago. I wonder if they have any updates: https://type2diabetes.com/forums/my-fasting-blood-sugar-is-always-high-in-the-200s.



    One potential idea is to have a small nighttime snack, which Larissa explains why in this article: https://type2diabetes.com/nutrition/nighttime-snack-blood-sugar-must .


    Have you had a chance to speak with your doctor or a certified diabetes educator about this already? They may have some ideas as well, if not.


    I hope this may help!


    Best,
    Minel (Team Member)


    1. Thanks for the links Minel. This helps.
      I've checked the readings when I've had good snacks before bedtime and no snacks. It seems to make no difference.
      I think I will just ignore it and focus on the A1C.
      Thank you again! Russ


      1. Hi
        I am fortunate in that my diagnosis was pre-diabetes on March 28 2022. Since then I have lost 60 lbs and had 2 aic tests at 5.1


        My dawn phenomenon started then up at 190.


        Now it is 115 or lower.


        I finger stick 3 times a day and for the last month tests are around 87 on average.


        What I have done. (Your Mileage May Vary. )


        1) test a lot
        2) 3 months ago got Freestyle Libre and got very granular info on what foods do what to my Blood Glucose level. Cost 70 a month and worth it.
        3) Started Dirty Keto eating style. Mediterranean works too.
        4) Started Intermittent Fasting on a 16/8 plan
        5) replaced added sugars with Stevia, Monkfruit, Swerve and or Alluose for drinks and cooking.
        6) Resistant Starches are a good way to control spikes
        7) walk half hour after meals and I have a broken foot
        😎 overnight oatmeal helps break my fast.
        9) organic peanut butter, full fat cheese, small apple, guacamole as bedtime snack.
        10) 90 second bread helps
        11) pork rinds for a crunchy snack
        12) electrolytes!!!!
        13) learn to love cauliflower broccoli parsnips and collard greens.
        14) if chocolate is your thing Lakanto makes Monkfruit chocolate bars.
        15) slimfast makes Keto Fat Bombs that are sugar Free.


        Of course portion control is imperative as is getting enough fruits and veggies.


        I do an egg fast once a month.


        I also eat chicken thighs skin on bone in.
        Bacon. Pork chops. Marbled beef. Lots of mushrooms. Cream cheese. Full fat Greek yogurt. Almonds. Avocados. Almond milk. Full fat butter. NO margarine!!!! Or lite butters.


        Hope that helps


        1. Yes, thank you. what is 90 second bread?

          1. Hi @RussL, 90 second bread is a keto friendly bread that can be made in the microwave. It has no processed white carb, and no sugar - the exact nutrition facts vary depending on the recipe. - Warmly, Donna (team member)

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