What is a diabetic Somogyi Phenomenon?

Answer 1

It is a contested explanation of elevated blood sugars in the morning. =======================================

I read a blog recently, read all those comments, and I was deeply shocked. I never realised what my beloved, sweet mother must have gone through. She didn't complain, she didn't tell me about Diabetic Hell. I knew she wasn't feeling well, I could see that, and it tore my soul to see her deteriorating. When I lost her I thought I did what I could, but reading about all the suffering, I should have done much more. I love her, I miss her, and I am very sorry for the torture and misery she went through!

But, that bears no interest for you. However, something might be useful from my note. I noticed that many on the blog had night-time hypos. I am wondering whether, at least for some of them, could be the result of Somogyi Phenomenon aka Somogyi Rebound Effect. While some academics find the theory controversial, there are several trustworthy sources which offers advices regarding this Phenomenon. So, it might still be worth to discuss the possibility.

Somogyi, a dedicated Hungarian Professor, observed night-time (nocturnal) hypos in insulin using diabetics. He believed that excess insulin in the body during the night can lead to hypo, - and then body defensive mechanism (raising blood glucose to counteract the hypo) would lead to high morning glucose level. If that is correct, than raising insulin dosage, based on the morning readings, could make the situation worse.

Professor Somogyi's assumed connection between nocturnal hypos and morning high blood glucose is entirely different from the dawn phenomenon, in which the morning rise is due to normal hormonal activity. The recommended procedure to differentiate the Somogyi Phenomenon from the dawn phenomenon based on the glucose readings at bedtime, then again between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., and finally at the normal wake-up time for several nights. If the crucial night reading is low, followed by a high morning reading, for several nights, than there could be a possibility of the Somogyi Phenomenon. While this more prevalently happens at night, it still can happen when the patient is awake. More detailed information, about other possible causes, recommendations and advises, can be found at the related links.

Additionally, there is promising news for insulin using diabetics: a 4 year old boy received a 'world first insulin pump'. The pump is designed to sense a likely hypo and stops insulin release before it could happen; making it especially useful to avoid night hypos. The pump is also suitable for adults. The article website is also at the related links.

I am sorry, related links were not allowed, and the first sentence (above the double line) was written by the previous answerer .