Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

12/13/05

Q:
My blood sugar in the morning after fasting is high. My doctor told me that the liver also produces sugar so I need to increase my lantus to cover those highs I am reaching at night. This is the first time I have heard that the liver produces sugar. Is this correct?

A:
One of the jobs of the liver is to perform a process called "glycogenolysis", the break down of stored chains of carbohydrates into glucose, or blood sugar. There are hormones in the body that give the right signals when blood sugars are low, or in high stress situations when more immediate energy bursts are required. When one has a condition such as diabetes, this can throw the hormone regulation off so that the liver can get mixed signals, especially early in the morning when our bodies are making the big move to get up and go. Most people with diabetes experience higher morning blood sugars, which is why medications/insulin are often more effective before bed to start the day off in better control and balance.