Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 12, 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 common concern: “Are there seemingly healthy foods that quietly disrupt my control?”
The column provides clear, practical guidance on which foods are best limited or avoided to maintain stable blood sugar levels, combining Western medical advice with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles.
Key Insights from the Column
From a Western medicine perspective, it is important to limit refined carbohydrates and added sugars, including white bread, white rice, sugary cereals, pastries, sweets, and sweetened beverages. These foods digest quickly due to low fibre content and can cause rapid glucose spikes. The column also recommends reducing processed meats, deep-fried foods, and items high in saturated fat or sodium. Even some packaged “healthier” options can contain hidden carbohydrates, so reading nutrition labels is essential. Sugary drinks should be replaced with sparkling water and lime. No food needs to be permanently banned, but high-impact items should be treated as occasional choices and ideally paired with protein and fibre to reduce their effect.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewpoint, diabetes management focuses on avoiding foods that generate dampness, phlegm, or internal heat, which can worsen spleen deficiency or Yin depletion. Foods to limit or avoid include glutinous rice, excess sweet potatoes, persimmons, lychees, grapes, mangoes, bananas, dates, large amounts of honey, white sugar, greasy or fried foods, and overly spicy or cold raw items. These may contribute to damp-heat patterns or weaken digestive fire. Instead, TCM encourages favouring bitter, sour, or neutral foods such as bitter greens or barley tea to clear heat and resolve dampness. Lighter, cooked meals in smaller portions are often recommended to support spleen Qi without overburdening the system.
Integrating both approaches, Dr. Annie Tan advises focusing on whole foods, carefully reading labels for hidden sugars, and preparing meals with warming spices like ginger (a TCM favourite) while maintaining balanced portions. This combined lens helps minimise blood sugar spikes while nourishing the body holistically.
“Many seemingly innocent foods can quietly cause blood sugar spikes,” said Dr. Annie Tan. “By understanding which foods to limit from both Western and TCM perspectives, and by making smart swaps, people with diabetes can enjoy meals with greater confidence and better glucose control.”
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.

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