What is a common treatment for the dawn phenomenon?

The dawn phenomenon refers to an increase in blood glucose levels that occurs in the early morning hours, often as a result of natural increases in hormonal activity, particularly cortisol and glucagon, which promote gluconeogenesis. For individuals with diabetes, especially those managed with insulin, this can lead to challenges in maintaining optimal glucose control.

Adding bedtime insulin serves as an effective treatment strategy for managing the dawn phenomenon. By providing additional insulin during the night, it helps to counteract the insulin resistance that takes place due to the hormonal changes that occur as morning approaches. This can help to lower the fasting blood glucose levels and improve overall glucose control upon waking.

This approach addresses the underlying issue of insulin resistance at night, providing a more tailored management strategy compared to just increasing morning doses or switching to different forms of insulin. By adjusting insulin administration to account for the increased insulin needs during the night, better glycemic control can often be achieved.