Dawn phenomenon: An early morning rise in blood sugar (glucose) levels – normally around 4am – 8am. The dawn phenomenon is a natural reaction in the body as a result of hormones released by the body in the early morning. If you have diabetes, and your morning (fasting) blood sugar levels are higher than they should be (greater than 7mmol/l), then your doctor may need to adapt your medication to prevent these blood sugar rises in the morning.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a serious condition that occurs when there is a lack of insulin in the body, leading to high blood sugar (glucose) levels and a build-up of ketones in the blood and urine. Ketones are formed when the body breaks down fat for energy. Symptoms of DKA are: nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty in breathing – rapid and shallow breathing, a fruity smell on the breath, difficulty concentrating and staying awake, and can lead to a coma and death if not treated immediately. Read more information on DKA.
DPP4-inhibitors (DPP-4i): these are oral tablets also referred to as “gliptins”. DPP-4i’s help to increase the levels of certain hormones (incretins) in the body (GLP-1 and GIP) which assist with increasing insulin levels and therefore reducing blood glucose levels, they decrease the rate of gastric emptying (you stay fuller for longer and therefore eat smaller meals), the benefit of which is moderate weight loss, and they inhibit the release of a hormone called Glucagon which raises blood sugar levels i.e. inhibiting Glucagon assists with reducing blood sugar levels.