Why does blood sugar rise even when you haven't eaten?
It's frustrating when you're doing everything right and your blood sugar still goes up! This can happen for several reasons, even when you haven't eaten.
During sleep or when you haven't eaten for a while, your blood sugar naturally dips. As you wake up or go through Show Full Answer
Why does blood sugar rise even when you haven't eaten?
It's frustrating when you're doing everything right and your blood sugar still goes up! This can happen for several reasons, even when you haven't eaten.
During sleep or when you haven't eaten for a while, your blood sugar naturally dips. As you wake up or go through your day, your body releases cortisol (the stress hormone) to help you function. Cortisol releases glucose that's stored in your cells, which can raise your blood sugar even without food.
Stress itself—whether physical or emotional—can also cause blood sugar to rise. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that increase glucose levels. This can last for several days after a stressful event.
If you're not eating much, your body might be releasing stored glucose to give you energy, which could explain the rise. Additionally, if your insulin therapy needs adjustment, that could be contributing to the problem.
It's important to work with your health care provider to figure out what's happening. You may need to:
- Test your blood sugar more frequently, especially in the morning
- Adjust your insulin doses
- Consider continuous glucose monitoring
- Discuss whether stress or other factors are affecting your levels
Don't try to adjust your insulin on your own—always work with your medical team to make changes safely.
April 5
Join
Your Privacy Choices
