How to manage blood sugar levels when diagnosed with the Somogyi effectĭiabetics experiencing the Somogyi effect can manage their blood sugar levels in the morning by: On the other hand, in the Somogyi effect, the blood sugar levels drop at some point during the night. In the dawn effect, the blood sugar levels stay high throughout the night.However, in the dawn phenomenon, no hypoglycemic episodes are reported. In the Somogyi phenomenon, there is a state of low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) which is followed by early morning hyperglycemia.
On the other hand, the Somogyi phenomenon occurs due to the release of counter-regulatory hormones to cope with the low glucose levels at night.
Dawn phenomenon or dawn effect is a state where a person diagnosed with diabetes experiences increased blood sugar levels in the morning due to the inability of the pancreas to release insulin at night to maintain the blood glucose. However, there are many differences between them which include: How is the Somogyi effect different from the Dawn phenomenon?Īnother phenomenon known as the dawn phenomenon has been confused with the Somogyi effect since both of them result in blood sugar spikes in the morning. Symptoms such as night sweats, nightmares, weakness in the evenings and extremely high blood sugar in the morning (with no known reason). Slightly low body temperature (mild hypothermia). Wide fluctuation in the blood sugar levels which is not related to food habits. Initially, no signs of sugar and ketone bodies are found in the urine, but are detected after a few hours. Low blood sugar levels due to increased insulin, followed by high blood sugar levels due to the rebound defence mechanism of the body. The characteristics of the Somogyi effect include: What are the characteristics of the Somogyi effect? Simultaneously, the stress hormones keep the blood sugar levels high by not allowing the body cells to respond to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance. Glucagon counteracts the action of insulin and promotes the production of glucose in the liver by converting glycogen (stored form of glucose) into glucose, resulting in increased blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas, which helps in maintaining the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.ĭue to the sudden drop in blood sugar levels, various hormones such as growth hormones, and stress hormones (cortisol and epinephrine) are released in the body, which triggers the release of glucagon, a hormone produced by the pancreas. This can occur after vigorous exercise or if the person has taken more insulin than required, before going to bed. The Somogyi effect is the response of the body’s defence mechanism to the long period of low blood sugar in a person suffering from type-2 diabetes. This results in increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) in the early morning. 
He discovered that when the blood sugar levels of the body drop too low in the late evening or at night while sleeping, there is an activation of counter-regulatory hormones which instigate gluconeogenesis (conversion of glycogen into glucose). The Somogyi effect, also known as the ‘chronic Somogyi rebound’ and ‘posthypoglycemic hyperglycemia’, was proposed by a Hungarian professor Dr Michael Somogyi in 1930. It has been reported that despite taking medications or insulin as per the doctor’s advice, some type-2 diabetics often experience a hike in their blood sugar levels early in the morning, which is known as the Somogyi effect. However, if they are unable to manage their blood sugar levels with the help of medications, diet and lifestyle change, they need to take insulin. Normally, people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the more common type of diabetes, are prescribed oral anti-diabetic medications.
0 kommentar(er)
