Patients with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin have regular, repeated episodes of high plasma glucose in the late morning. This was the conclusion of a study of 200 patients whose glucose levels were measured immediately before breakfast, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Researchers identified significantly increased glucose levels prior to lunch, which they called "a permanent failure in non-insulin-using patients with type 2 diabetes." The excursions were independent of the individuals' body weight, HbA1c measurement, drugs being taken or residual functioning of beta cells.

The investigators recommended mid-morning glucose testing to detect such abnormalities so that they can be corrected with appropriate therapies.

Related information Glucose control

Source: Monnier L, Colette C, Rabasa-Lhoret R, et al. Morning hyperglycemic excursions - a constant failure in the metabolic control of non-insulin-using patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, April 2002;25:737-741. (Abs.)