Why Your Blood Sugar May Be Higher After a 13-Hour Fast

Why Your Blood Sugar May Be Higher After a 13-Hour Fast


3 min learnNew DelhiJun 22, 2026 09:32 AM IST

Can fasting blood sugar after 13 hours be larger than fasting blood sugar after 8 hours? Isn’t an extended quick speculated to decrease glucose ranges? In response to this Quora question, Dr Sukirti Misra, marketing consultant endocrinologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, mentioned that it could sound stunning, however fasting for an extended length doesn’t at all times end in a decrease blood sugar studying. “Our our bodies are consistently working to maintain blood glucose inside a wholesome vary, even when we’ve got not eaten for a number of hours,” mentioned Dr Misra.

DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.

One widespread motive is the daybreak phenomenon. “Within the early morning hours, the physique releases hormones reminiscent of cortisol and progress hormone to assist us get up and put together for the day. These hormones can sign the liver to launch glucose into the bloodstream, inflicting fasting sugar ranges to be barely larger within the morning. That is particularly widespread in folks with diabetes as a result of their our bodies can not produce or course of sufficient insulin to counteract this pure spike,” defined Dr Misra.

One other issue is the physique’s pure response to extended fasting. Dr Misra famous that because the hole between meals will increase, the liver releases saved glucose to make sure a gentle vitality provide for important organs, significantly the mind. “In some folks, particularly these with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes, this course of can result in a better fasting blood sugar studying than anticipated,” mentioned Dr Misra.

Does this occur solely in folks with diabetes?

Not essentially. Gentle fluctuations in fasting glucose can happen even in folks with out diabetes. “Nonetheless, the impact is normally extra noticeable in people with prediabetes, diabetes, or insulin resistance as a result of their our bodies might not regulate blood sugar as effectively,” mentioned Dr Misra.

A number of on a regular basis elements can even affect a fasting glucose studying, together with insufficient sleep, emotional stress, sickness, dehydration, late-night consuming habits, and sure medicines.

Ought to folks be fearful in the event that they discover this sample?

Not due to a single studying. “Blood glucose ranges naturally differ from daily, and one remoted worth doesn’t present the total image of an individual’s metabolic health,” identified Dr Misra.

Story continues beneath this advert

fasting blood glucose Right here’s what you must think about (Photograph: Quora)

What’s extra vital is whether or not the sample persists over time. Dr Misra talked about that if fasting glucose ranges are repeatedly elevated or appear inconsistent regardless of following testing directions appropriately, it’s price discussing the outcomes with a healthcare skilled. “Checks reminiscent of HbA1c and different assessments can assist decide whether or not there may be an underlying concern with blood sugar regulation,” mentioned Dr Misra.

DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.





Source link