1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

High readings in A.M. to low in A.M. and afternoon. Why?

Posted by Retired Teacher @retiredteacher, Aug 10, 2017

For the first year (2016) of my diabetes I had high A.M. numbers (130's to 140's or higher). After lunch the numbers would come down to the 100's (120's or 130's). In the mornings it was always higher than what my endo said it should be.
Now for the last two days my readings are the lowest they have ever been. I know it's only two days, but I cannot find what's causing the drop. Yesterday numbers were 96 and 113. Today they were 108 and 96. Those are A.M and after lunch respectively. I have not changed anything---eating the same foods.
Has anyone had this type of switch? It was high for over a year and now it seems that it is almost too low.
Thanks for any help.

retiredteacher

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Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Apr 27, 2018

Thank you, Teresa. We are always hopeful and pray for good reports.

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Apr 27, 2018
In reply to @retiredteacher "I have not been posting for a while because my husband has had numerous health problems..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

I have not been posting for a while because my husband has had numerous health problems that have definitely overshadowed my diabetes. I have been stressed and worried and afraid as I watch one problem after another cause him to have to wonder what is coming next. My diabetes has also taken some hits because having to go with him to dr. appointments and hospital tests don't always put me in a position to eat right, worry about diabetes, or even care about me.
Before all of his problems started, I was making progress and had a good report from my appointment with my endocrinologist. My A1c was going down; I had lost a little weight, and I had figured out foods that work for me and those that do not. During this visit I reminded the dr. that my morning numbers were still very erratic, and I could find no reason for the swing from day to day. I could eat the exact same food three meals each day and the morning number would be within range one day and out of range the next. He doesn't seem to be concerned. He said, "As long as the numbers go down, that is okay."
I don't see him again until August, unless there is a problem. Every time I go, he still seems to look at me as if he's not sure why I'm there. He treats people who have numbers in the 400, 500 range who take all kinds of medicine and are ill with side effects from diabetes. I just marked my two years of having diabetes 2, and I do not take any medicine; I mostly eat the right foods for me and have a routine that keeps me stable. So, I'm not worried about diabetes at the moment. My concerns are for all that's going on with my husband. I don't have any answers for why my numbers are high in the A.M. I wish I could find someone who knows. I once again have to be my own doctor.
For all who need an answer for the fluctuation in morning numbers, I wish I could tell you where to go to find out. I have asked; I have researched. There are always different answers. Dawn syndrome has never been mentioned to me by either my PCP or my endo. I don't think that is a situation high on the list.
Good health to all. I wish I could help, but I am just overwhelmed with my husband's problems and trying to be his caregiver. I'll check back in later.

retiredteacher

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Wow, @retiredteacher -- that is a lot of medical concerns with the eye, skin and heart. I'm sorry your husband is having to undergo so much. I love that you were high school sweethearts and are still going strong. The "tackling it together" approach is wonderful.

You are making admirable sacrifices for your husband with his health right now.

If the Connect community can help by being a sounding board when you need to talk about his health or yours, hope you'll keep popping in for a visit.

Also tagging @colleenyoung, who I'm sure would like to see your update.

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Apr 27, 2018
In reply to @retiredteacher "I have not been posting for a while because my husband has had numerous health problems..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

I have not been posting for a while because my husband has had numerous health problems that have definitely overshadowed my diabetes. I have been stressed and worried and afraid as I watch one problem after another cause him to have to wonder what is coming next. My diabetes has also taken some hits because having to go with him to dr. appointments and hospital tests don't always put me in a position to eat right, worry about diabetes, or even care about me.
Before all of his problems started, I was making progress and had a good report from my appointment with my endocrinologist. My A1c was going down; I had lost a little weight, and I had figured out foods that work for me and those that do not. During this visit I reminded the dr. that my morning numbers were still very erratic, and I could find no reason for the swing from day to day. I could eat the exact same food three meals each day and the morning number would be within range one day and out of range the next. He doesn't seem to be concerned. He said, "As long as the numbers go down, that is okay."
I don't see him again until August, unless there is a problem. Every time I go, he still seems to look at me as if he's not sure why I'm there. He treats people who have numbers in the 400, 500 range who take all kinds of medicine and are ill with side effects from diabetes. I just marked my two years of having diabetes 2, and I do not take any medicine; I mostly eat the right foods for me and have a routine that keeps me stable. So, I'm not worried about diabetes at the moment. My concerns are for all that's going on with my husband. I don't have any answers for why my numbers are high in the A.M. I wish I could find someone who knows. I once again have to be my own doctor.
For all who need an answer for the fluctuation in morning numbers, I wish I could tell you where to go to find out. I have asked; I have researched. There are always different answers. Dawn syndrome has never been mentioned to me by either my PCP or my endo. I don't think that is a situation high on the list.
Good health to all. I wish I could help, but I am just overwhelmed with my husband's problems and trying to be his caregiver. I'll check back in later.

retiredteacher

Jump to this post

@retiredteacher @lisalucier I wish I could suggest something but I have never had this problem. My bg tends to be reasonably low in the morning, generally around 80, +/-, yesterday it was 71. Because my diabetes is pretty mild my doctor does not even insist on my taking my bg daily.
JK

REPLY
vanin11 | @vanin11 | Sep 17, 2018

Hi, I have the same issue.Its called early dawn syndrome. As we sleep our body towards dawn dumps more sugar into our system to prepare us for getting up and getting ready for the day. Traditionally we would have been very active so that was good, these days we don’t go hunting for food so we don’t need that sugar spike which happens to everyone except more to type 2,As we age out pancreas becomes less efficient and thus type 2.
The one thing I learnt was it’s not necessary to ake your numbers 5 times a day. What is relevant is your overall A1C numbers taken every 3 months.
My morning numbers are slightly high but my 3 month A1C with medication shows that my numbers are at the level of a non diabetic.But Bi used to panic at my morning numbers. You could try having a snack of lightly peanut buttered toast .

REPLY
Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Sep 20, 2018

Thanks @vanin11 for your response. I am aware of early dawn syndrome, but my endocrinologist doesn't think that is my situation. He doesn't seem concerned but agrees with the aging as cause. I have tried different foods at supper, but that doesn't seem to matter. Endo told me I didn't need to take my blood but once a week, but he doesn't know me very well. I'm obsessive about checking and take blood twice a day every day and have since I was diagnosed in April of 2016. I also plan meals and write everything down for every meal. I have to know. My morning numbers have remained in the 120's or 130's of late; that doesn't seen to concern endo either. The numbers always go down after lunch, so I don't worry as long as there is a drop. I watch my averages and can pretty well know my A1C, but I do go twice a year so that his technology can check everything and run all the blood profiles. I have been a little higher the last two weeks because I am trying to wean myself off of a medicine I do not need. I think the change has affected my readings. Once I get used to not taking it at all, I hope the numbers will once again settle down.
Keep up the good work.

@retiredteacher

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