From the Guidelines
If your blood sugar is lower than target before bed, it's best to eat a small snack that contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, such as glucose, to raise your blood sugar immediately, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This approach is based on the latest standards of care in diabetes, which emphasize the importance of prompt treatment of hypoglycemia to prevent its complications.
- Good options for a bedtime snack include a small amount of glucose tablets or glucose gel, or any form of carbohydrate that contains glucose, as stated in the guidelines 1.
- After consuming the initial snack, it's essential to monitor blood glucose levels and repeat the treatment if hypoglycemia persists, as advised in the guidelines 1.
- Once blood glucose levels start to rise, consuming a meal or snack can help prevent recurrent hypoglycemia, as suggested by the guidelines 1.
- For individuals on insulin or certain diabetes medications, a bedtime snack is crucial to prevent overnight hypoglycemia, which can be caused by these medications, and it's essential to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider, as recommended in the guidelines 1.
From the Research
Hypoglycemia Management
To manage hypoglycemia, especially when blood sugar levels are lower than the target before bed, it is essential to understand the causes and treatment options.
- Hypoglycemia is a common complication in patients with diabetes, mainly in those treated with insulin, sulfonylurea, or glinide 2.
- Impairments in counterregulatory responses and hypoglycemia unawareness constitute the main risk factors for severe hypoglycemia 2.
Treatment and Prevention
The treatment and prevention of hypoglycemia involve a combination of patient education, personalized goals for glycemic control, and the use of appropriate medications.
- Patient education regarding risk factors, warning signs, and treatment of hypoglycemia at an early stage is crucial 2.
- Setting personalized goals for glycemic control can help prevent hypoglycemia 2.
- The use of glucagon, a medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia, is essential in emergency situations 3, 4.
Food Intake Before Bed
Although the provided studies do not specifically address the best food to eat when sugar levels are lower than the target before bed, they emphasize the importance of optimizing carbohydrate intake to avoid hypoglycemia 5.