What defines the Somogyi effect?

The Somogyi effect is characterized by a pattern where a person experiences low blood glucose levels during the night, which triggers the body to release counter-regulatory hormones such as glucagon and epinephrine. These hormones work to raise the blood glucose level, resulting in a high blood glucose reading in the morning. This phenomenon occurs as a kind of rebound effect in response to the nighttime hypoglycemia.

In the context of diabetes management, understanding the Somogyi effect is crucial because it can often lead to misinterpretation of blood glucose patterns. If a person notices high morning blood glucose levels without considering the nighttime lows, they may inadvertently increase their insulin or adjust their diabetes management plan unnecessarily. Recognizing this effect highlights the importance of monitoring overnight blood glucose levels to provide a complete picture of an individual's glycemic control.