Why do diabetics get low blood sugar at night?

Nocturnal hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels at night in a person who has diabetes. Blood sugar levels can drop below their target range at night if a person eats too little food after taking the usual nighttime insulin dose or takes more insulin than prescribed in the evening.

What are symptoms of low blood sugar at night?

If hypoglycemia happens at night, you may experience some signs….These are signs you had low blood sugar while asleep:

  • having a headache, confusion, or irritability upon waking.
  • feeling tired the following day.
  • noticing damp bedsheets and clothes (signs of sweating)
  • experiencing sleep disturbances.

Can you have a diabetic hypo in your sleep?

Hypos while sleeping Hypos can happen while you sleep. If a hypo does not wake you up, there’s a risk of you having a severe hypo. You might be having night-time hypos if you feel very tired when you wake up, have a headache, or have damp bedding.

What is nighttime hypoglycemia?

Low blood glucose at night When blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl while sleeping at night, the person experiences a condition called nocturnal hypoglycemia. Studies suggest that almost half of all episodes of low blood glucose — and more than half of all severe episodes — occur at night during sleep.

How can I stabilize my blood sugar at night?

Eat a bedtime snack To combat the dawn phenomenon, eat a high-fiber, low-fat snack before bed. Whole-wheat crackers with cheese or an apple with peanut butter are two good choices. These foods will keep your blood sugar steady and prevent your liver from releasing too much glucose.

What can you eat before bed to keep blood sugars stable?

Try one the following healthful snacks before bed to help manage blood sugar levels and satisfy nighttime hunger:

  • A handful of nuts.
  • A hard-boiled egg.
  • Low-fat cheese and whole-wheat crackers.
  • Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices.
  • Celery sticks with hummus.
  • Air-popped popcorn.
  • Roasted chickpeas.

Why do I keep having hypos at night?

The chances of having night time hypos may be increased by the following: Too high a level of basal (background) insulin. Physical activity during the day can increase insulin sensitivity which can lead to night time hypoglycemia, particularly for the first night after a sustained session of activity.

Why do I wake up with low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, happens when your body doesn’t have enough glucose to use for energy. People with diabetes mellitus may have low blood sugar in the morning due to too much long-acting insulin, also called background insulin and basal insulin.

What is the best thing for a diabetes to eat before bed?

To combat the dawn phenomenon, eat a high-fiber, low-fat snack before bed. Whole-wheat crackers with cheese or an apple with peanut butter are two good choices. These foods will keep your blood sugar steady and prevent your liver from releasing too much glucose.