Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 27, 2026 – In the latest edition of the popular weekly health column “Living Well with Diabetes”, Dr. Annie Tan, Malaysian endocrinologist and certified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician, tackles a practical everyday frustration: “I get hungry between meals—what can I eat without causing spikes or crashes?”
The column offers clear, balanced recommendations for smart snacks that help maintain stable blood sugar while preventing hunger and energy dips.
Key Insights from the Column
From a Western medicine perspective, the smartest snacks combine protein, fibre, and healthy fat for steady energy release. Recommended options include a small handful of nuts with a few berries, plain Greek yogurt with chia seeds, vegetable sticks with hummus, or cheese with cucumber slices. The column advises avoiding carbohydrates eaten alone, keeping portions moderate, and pre-portioning snacks to prevent overeating. Those at risk of hypoglycaemia should always carry fast-acting glucose sources.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewpoint, snacks should support spleen Qi without generating dampness. Suitable choices include small amounts of warming or neutral foods such as a few almonds, goji berries in moderation, or steamed vegetables. Sweet or greasy items are best avoided between meals as they may burden digestion.
Integrating both approaches, Dr. Annie Tan recommends choosing snacks that align with both systems — such as nuts paired with cucumber or Greek yogurt with a touch of warming spice. These balanced combinations help prevent glucose fluctuations while nourishing digestion and providing sustained energy.
“Choosing the right snack can make a big difference in keeping blood sugar stable throughout the day,” said Dr. Annie Tan. “By combining protein, fibre, and healthy fats with TCM principles of supporting spleen Qi and avoiding dampness, you can satisfy hunger without spikes or crashes. Smart snacking is a simple but powerful tool in daily diabetes management.”
This column is part of the ongoing 20-week series “Living Well with Diabetes”, which provides practical, everyday guidance by blending Western clinical guidelines (including the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) with TCM principles.
About Sante Wellness TCM Pte Ltd
Sante Wellness TCM Pte Ltd is a wellness centre specialising in Traditional Chinese Medicine services, including meridian therapy and holistic care. For more information, visit www.sante-wellness.com.
About Fu Neng Yuan Sdn Bhd
Fu Neng Yuan Sdn Bhd is associated with innovative health solutions, including Low Frequency Pulse Therapy. For more details, visit fnyglobal.asia.
The full column is now available in print and digital editions. Readers are encouraged to follow the weekly series for more useful advice on living well with diabetes.
The column is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Readers should always consult their doctors or qualified registered TCM practitioners for individual care.