Stress hormones counteract insulin

Dear Dr. Roach: I hope you can shed some light on an issue that I have not seen you address: The dawn phenomenon. I am having trouble controlling my diabetes. I am 67 years old and have been on glipizide (10 mg) for three months now. I tried metformin for a short time, but it did not agree with me.

I am overweight but working on it. I admit that I love carbs.

My morning readings usually are 170 to 200. My bedtime readings are 130 to 150. I take my glipizide with my evening meal. Two hours after breakfast, my readings are in the normal range. My A1c is 6.9.

My husband is critically ill. Can the added stress of caretaking affect blood sugars? — B.P.

I am sorry to hear about your husband. Indeed, stress of any kind can make diabetes control worse. The stress itself can increase hormones (including cortisol and epinephrine), which act against insulin. Caregivers also routinely get poor sleep, which compounds the problem.

As far as the high sugars in the morning go, it could be due to the dawn phenomenon. This is a response to the surge in hormones that work against insulin (in this case, especially glucagon) that happens in the morning. Insulin resistance is higher at this time, so blood sugars tend to be high as well.

However, there are other causes.

Fortunately, your A1c level of 6.9 percent is in the range of acceptable for a 67-year-old. Even so, too many processed carbohydrates, like most pasta and white bread, is not the healthiest choice. I would recommend making some small changes by eating fewer starches and more vegetables and legumes.

Glipizide works by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin. Most people on that drug alone eventually will need additional or different therapies.