Somogyi effectwhat is the reason for it?The Somogyi effect is a swing from a low blood glucose level (hypoglycemia) that developed during the night while sleeping to a high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) in the waking hours of the morning. How does it happen? When blood glucose levels drop dangerously low the body reacts by releasing counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon and epinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones encourage the liver to convert its stores of glycogen into glucose, raising blood glucose levels. Sometimes the liver does too good a job and causes a swing in blood glucose levels from a state of hypoglycaemia to one of hypoglycaemia. How is it diagnosed? Diabetic who have high glucose readings in the morning may need to test their glucose levels in the middle of the night somewhere between 2 or 3 a.m., for several nights. If glucose readings are consistently low then Somogyi effect may be the cause. I know its “fun” getting up real early to measure blood sugar levels. How can itbe prevented? Since this happens because the body is attempting to prevent a hypoglycaemic coma by overcompensating with the conversion of glycogen back into glucose. Then it stands to reason that the best way to prevent this somogyi-effect is to stop the hypoglycaemia before it starts. This is done by ensuring you have something to eat (a little late evening snack) or regulate your insulin intake or the type of insulin used. This is of course with your doctor’s or health care professional’s advice. They are the experts in your individual case. Again, it happen if: • You take too much insulin earlier in the night before bed • If you did not have enough of a bedtime snack. • If your dose of long-acting insulin at bedtime was not enough. Remember if any of the above happens then you will wake up with a high morning blood sugar level.
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