Somogyi Effect / Overswing Phenomenon:
What It Is and How to Correct It
Over the four and a half years of managing Lucy’s diabetes, Somogyi Effect was something that never happened. I tested her faithfully, ran curves and weighed food. There was one time that I thought she was in Somogyi Effect, but it was the area where I was injecting; once I switched the area insulin absorption improved and she went back to a normal bowl curve. Somogyi Effect can be very confusing, so let’s quickly go over what it is and how to correct it.
Somogyi Effect or Overswing Phenomenon occurs when a dog is getting too much insulin which results in a hypoglycemic event (low blood sugar). In response to low blood glucose, the dog's body activates an emergency response by releasing the hormones epinephrine, cortisol and a form of glucose called glycogen into the bloodstream to correct low blood glucose levels. With Somogyi Effect, the dog's body is in "emergency" mode and dumps these chemicals into the bloodstream resulting in high blood glucose (hyperglycemia).
There are two types of curves you may see in a dog with Somogyi Effect. The first type of curve resembles a checkmark with high numbers, followed by a low number, followed by very high numbers. The second type of curve is a high, flat curve.
Understanding that dogs with Somogyi Effect require insulin reduction, despite high blood glucose numbers can be confusing since too much insulin looks like too little insulin. It is important to understand that high blood glucose numbers in a dog with Somogyi Effect are a result of too much insulin, not a result of lack of insulin. It can be dangerous to increase insulin dosage in a dog with Somogyi.
The recommended protocol to break the Somogyi Effect is to reduce your dog's insulin by 10 – 25% per the AAHA. If your dog is experiencing Somogyi Effect you should start to see improved blood glucose levels after administering six doses at the reduced amount; it takes the body approximately 72 hours (three full days) to reset. If you do not see improved blood glucose levels after six doses at the reduced amount, you can rule out Somogyi Effect.
I hope this blog has been informative and has helped clarify the challenges associated with managing the Somogyi Effect in diabetic dogs. Remember, monitoring blood glucose levels, feeding weighed and consistent meals, and insulin therapy are all key to successful diabetes management. Your diligence and attention make all the difference in your dog’s health and quality of life. Thank you for reading!
Until next time stay comfy, don’t stress and you got this!
Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
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