If you must exercise in the evening, remember to eat a modest snack to help maintain your glucose levels. Keep in mind if you exercised vigorously or for a prolonged period of time earlier in the day, this can affect your insulin sensitivity for up to 24 hours. You may need to adjust your insulin regimen accordingly.
If you must eat a late dinner, you may need to use a fast acting insulin such as aspart [6] X Research source or lispro[7] X Research source instead of your regular insulin. Be sure to consult with your doctor. These fast acting insulins stop lowering glucose levels after two to four hours as opposed to three to six hours for regular insulin medications, so you will be less likely to experience nighttime hypoglycemia. However, you should be aware that each unit of fast acting insulin can potentially lower your blood glucose more at nighttime than if you were to take the equivalent unit during the day. You should also take note of any insulin that remains in your system from previous doses of insulin medication. If you take too much fast acting insulin at night to cover eating late, you can inadvertently cause more nighttime hypoglycemia. [8] X Research source
Try eating peanut butter on apple slices. [10] X Research source Try a food product designed specifically for nighttime hypoglycemia. There are a variety of snacks designed specifically to prevent low blood sugar levels at night without inducing any excessive rises in blood sugar levels. [11] X Research source You might try Choice DM, Ensure or Extend. Try eating some Greek yogurt. [12] X Research source Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, although you should keep an eye on the sugar content, especially in flavored varieties. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Enjoy a stick of beef jerky at night. This snack has loads of protein, but you should keep an eye on the sodium content in these snacks. [14] X Research source
Try integrating peas, lentils, and beans into your diet, since these foods include carbohydrates, fiber, plenty of flavor and keep you full for a long time. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Diabetes Association Health-based nonprofit focused on preventing and researching diabetes Go to source Enjoy whole grain cereal in the morning. [20] X Research source Eat a slice of whole grain bread as a snack. [21] X Research source Serve a cup of brown rice with lentils for dinner. [22] X Research source
If you do not like hot tea, try drinking a cup of iced herbal tea in the evening. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Tell your doctor about any fluctuations in your blood glucose levels at night. You may need to change your insulin injections if your blood sugar is either too low or too high before going to bed. [26] X Research source
If your glucose level is low (typically less than 70), then you can eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, such as 4 oz of fruit juice or 7 to 8 pieces of gummy or regular lifesavers. Then, wait 15 minutes and retest. If your blood glucose level is still low, repeat the same snack. If your blood glucose level is above 70 and your next meal is more than an hour away, then eat another 15 gram carb snack. [27] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You might ask your doctor whether you should replace your regular with a fast acting insulin at night. [28] X Research source You might ask your doctor: “Should I try a fast acting insulin to prevent nighttime hypoglycemia?”
