What indicates the Somogyi effect?

The Somogyi effect is characterized by a cycle of hypoglycemia followed by hyperglycemia. This phenomenon happens when an individual experiences a drop in blood sugar levels, typically during the night, leading to a release of counter-regulatory hormones (like glucagon and epinephrine) to increase blood glucose levels. As a result, the affected person may wake up with high blood sugar levels.

When considering the symptoms throughout the night, a low blood sugar level observed around 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. confirms the occurrence of hypoglycemia, which serves as the trigger for the subsequent hyperglycemia that occurs at dawn. Recognizing this pattern is essential for proper management of diabetes, particularly in those using insulin, as it highlights the need to adjust treatment or meal planning to prevent the low blood sugars that can lead to this effect.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristic pattern of the Somogyi effect. A high blood sugar level at dawn indicates hyperglycemia rather than the preceding hypoglycemia. A constant normal blood sugar suggests stable glucose control without the fluctuations that define the Somogyi effect. Finally, a pattern of hyperglycemia following insulin administration lacks the critical component of the preceding low blood sugar necessary