Doctors Explain Morning Blood Sugar Spikes Without Eating and Contributing Factors

Experts explain that blood sugar can rise in the morning without eating due to the dawn phenomenon, a natural hormonal surge between 3 AM and 8 AM that prompts the liver to release glucose. Factors like poor sleep, stress, and skipping meals can worsen this effect by increasing insulin resistance and cortisol levels. While this is common in people with diabetes, consistent high fasting sugar may require medical attention to manage long-term health risks.