Final answer:
The patient's morning hyperglycemia is known as the dawn phenomenon, caused by a rise in early morning blood glucose levels due to hormonal changes, not by taking too much insulin or eating too much protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient experiences several episodes of hyperglycemia upon rising in the morning, the nurse may explain that this phenomenon is known as the dawn phenomenon. The dawn phenomenon is characterized by a rise in blood glucose levels in the early morning hours due to the body's release of certain hormones, such as cortisol and growth hormone, which increase insulin resistance. This is not the consequence of taking too much insulin, eating too much protein, or something that necessarily needs no treatment. Rather, it may require adjustments in the patient’s diabetes management plan by the healthcare provider.
Individuals with diabetes mellitus have impaired insulin function, which leads to high blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia. The main symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and the presence of glucose in the urine. In response to low blood sugar levels, glucagon is released from the pancreas to raise blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
It's important to monitor blood glucose levels and adjust treatment in diabetes mellitus patients properly to prevent complications associated with both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, effectively managing the conditions with an appropriate dose of insulin or other medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals.