Final answer:
To differentiate between the Somogyi effect and the dawn phenomenon, check glucose levels at 2-3 AM for the Somogyi effect and in the early morning before breakfast for the dawn phenomenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
To differentiate between the Somogyi effect and the dawn phenomenon, it's important to check blood glucose levels at specific times. The Somogyi effect refers to nocturnal hypoglycemia followed by a rebound hyperglycemia due to a counter-regulatory hormone response. To detect this effect, one should check glucose levels at around 2-3 AM. On the other hand, the dawn phenomenon is characterized by hyperglycemia that occurs in the early morning due to the diurnal increase in growth hormone, which raises blood glucose levels. To detect the dawn phenomenon, fasting blood glucose levels should be measured in the early morning before breakfast.
Additional tests such as the glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), and glucagon tolerance test (GuTT) may be conducted to confirm diabetes mellitus and determine the type of diabetes—whether it is insulin-dependent or independent. These tests help to assess how the body handles glucose and insulin and can indicate issues with insulin receptors or excessive insulin antagonists.