Managing Low Blood Sugar Overnight With Dexcom G6
Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an ongoing task that doesn’t pause when you sleep. Maintaining your glucose levels within the target range overnight can be quite challenging. Diabetes Canada sets the general target range at 3.9–10.0 mmol/L, and if your glucose dips below this range during the night, you may be at risk of experiencing nocturnal hypoglycemia.
This condition, also known as nighttime hypoglycemia, nighttime hypos, or nighttime lows, can either wake you up during the night or manifest symptoms in the morning. Recognizing the signs of nighttime hypoglycemia, such as restlessness, sleep talking, nightmares, a racing heart, fast breathing, shaking, morning fatigue, headaches, and night sweats, is essential. Fill out this form to check if you or a friend qualify for CGMs.
Experiencing nocturnal hypoglycemia can be frustrating and tiring, disrupting your sleep pattern. Parents of children with T1D might also find themselves waking up in the middle of the night to check their child’s glucose levels.
If you suspect nighttime hypoglycemia or wish to prevent it, the first step is to consult with your healthcare provider, as hypoglycemia is a severe concern, and it’s safer to prevent it than to treat it after it occurs.
Why Does Blood Sugar Drop at Night?
Individuals with type 1 diabetes, in particular, are at higher risk of hypoglycemia compared to those with type 2 diabetes. However, people with type 2 diabetes managed with insulin are similarly at risk of hypoglycemia, particularly nocturnal hypoglycemia. To comprehend why blood sugar drops at night, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes of hypoglycemia.
For individuals with T1D, managing glucose levels is a hands-on process as their pancreas no longer produces insulin. Insulin plays a vital role in facilitating the absorption of glucose by cells for energy. Those with T1D must replace the missing insulin with injections.
Excess insulin in the bloodstream can lead to hypoglycemia, and various factors, such as exercise, can trigger it. During and after exercise, insulin sensitivity increases, causing faster glucose absorption by muscles, independent of insulin. This surplus insulin can subsequently lower blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia can occur at any time, but it is more challenging to detect and address when asleep. During the day, symptoms of hypoglycemia are recognizable, and individuals can quickly consume sugary foods to raise their glucose levels.
However, not eating enough after evening insulin or taking an unusually large dose can affect glucose levels during sleep, leading to nighttime hypoglycemia. Other reasons include skipping dinner, exercising before bedtime, late-night alcohol consumption, or dealing with illnesses like the flu or a cold.
Must Read CGMs in noncritical care hospitals optimizes glycemic control
Preventing Nocturnal Hypoglycemia
Working closely with your healthcare provider can help you develop a plan to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia. Some strategies to avoid low blood sugar overnight include adjusting your post-dinner or bedtime insulin doses after exercise or modifying your overall insulin regimen under your doctor’s guidance. Maintaining consistency in your evening meals and snacks can also help prevent nighttime hypoglycemia.
If you or your loved one experiences nocturnal hypoglycemia, swift intervention is vital. Consume a quick source of sugar, such as hard candy, fruit juice, glucose paste, or tablets, and consider having a small meal before returning to sleep.
In cases where the person cannot be awakened, call 911 or administer an emergency glucagon kit. It is crucial to discuss an action plan with your healthcare provider if you or your loved one experiences nighttime lows.
Read Guide about Wegovy Dosage Guide: The Best Way For Weight Loss
How Dexcom G6 Can Assist in Reducing Nocturnal Hypoglycemia
A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system like Dexcom G6 is a valuable tool for monitoring nighttime hypos and understanding their causes.
Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods that require multiple checks throughout the night, Dexcom G6 provides continuous data, even while you sleep.
The Dexcom G6 system continuously monitors glucose levels, with the sensor and transmitter worn 24/7. Data is transmitted to a receiver or compatible smart device every 5 minutes, allowing you to easily monitor glucose levels before bedtime and upon waking.
The system provides trend arrows, offering valuable insights into your glucose levels, and helping you make informed decisions to stay within your target range.
Dexcom G6 features a predictive Urgent Low Soon alert that warns you of imminent hypoglycemia. It can also sound an alarm if glucose levels fall below a critical threshold. Using these features has been associated with a notable reduction in hypoglycemia.
Also, read about Managing Diabetes in College Life
Analyzing Nocturnal Hypo Trends with Dexcom
Dexcom Clarity is a useful app that provides a comprehensive view of your historical glucose data from your Dexcom G6. It includes Trends reports, visualizing how your glucose levels change over time. These reports help identify when nighttime hypos typically occur and their frequency, enabling you to pinpoint potential causes.
Sharing Dexcom Clarity reports with your healthcare provider provides them with insights into your nighttime glucose levels, facilitating collaboration on a strategy to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Assisting Loved Ones in Preventing Nocturnal Hypoglycemia
For individuals supporting loved ones with diabetes, the Dexcom Follow app offers a convenient way to remotely receive and monitor glucose data from a Dexcom G6 transmitter.
This can provide peace of mind for partners, caregivers, and parents, as they receive crucial alerts if their loved one approaches hypoglycemia while asleep.
Unlike other monitoring systems, Dexcom G6 allows for non-invasive glucose checks, so there’s no need to disturb your loved one while they sleep.
Sharing glucose data with a trusted follower has been shown to boost confidence, reduce distress related to diabetes, and improve sleep quality for Dexcom G6 users.
A Good Night’s Sleep with Dexcom G6
Dexcom G6 is a valuable tool to help you manage and reduce nighttime hypoglycemia. Consult your healthcare provider to see if a CGM system like Dexcom G6 is the right solution for your diabetes management needs. If you require assistance with insurance coverage, explore available options or reach out to us for support.
