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Lowering Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Joyce Giammattei

Joyce Giammattei, DrPH,RD, CDE

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

Question:

Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.

Answer:

Blood sugar levels tend to rise in the morning for some people with diabetes. This is in response to the natural hormonal changes occurring in the early morning hours.

In addition, the liver releases glucose during times of fasting (between meals and over night) and in people with type 2 diabetes, the liver releases too much.

For some people, having some protein or healthy fat with about 15 grams of carbohydrate before bed helps keep the morning fasting numbers in target range. Try having a small amount of peanut butter on a piece of whole grain bread or 1 oz of low-fat cheese and a small apple.

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