Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 27, 2026 – In the latest edition of the popular weekly health column “Living Well with Diabetes”, Dr. Annie Tan, Malaysian certified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician, addresses a frequently asked question: “Is Weight Management Different for People with Diabetes?”
The column provides practical, balanced guidance on how individuals with diabetes can approach weight loss or maintenance safely and sustainably, combining evidence-based Western strategies with insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Key Insights from the Column
From a Western medicine perspective, weight management for people with diabetes should focus on gradual and sustainable progress. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. Recommended approaches include balanced calorie management, consistent use of the Diabetes Plate Method (half non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter quality carbohydrates), and a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training. Certain medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may be prescribed when appropriate to support weight loss. The column strongly advises against crash diets, which can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia and muscle loss.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), excess weight is often linked to spleen Qi deficiency accompanied by dampness or phlegm accumulation. Management strategies emphasise strengthening digestion through warm, light, and easily digestible foods, resolving dampness with ingredients such as barley, bitter greens or other damp-clearing foods, and practising gentle exercise (such as Tai Chi or Qigong) to promote Qi flow without causing further depletion. Portion awareness and balancing the five flavours are encouraged to support natural appetite regulation and digestive harmony.

Integrating both approaches, Dr. Annie Tan recommends using the structured Western Diabetes Plate Method and clear activity goals alongside TCM’s focus on nourishing digestive function and choosing foods that help resolve dampness. Sustainable changes that nourish the body rather than overly restrict it tend to yield the best long-term results. Readers are encouraged to work closely with their healthcare team — including doctors and qualified TCM physicians — to set realistic, personalised targets.

“Weight management with diabetes is not about quick fixes or extreme restriction,” said Dr. Annie Tan. “It requires a thoughtful, sustainable approach that improves both blood glucose control and overall vitality. By combining the practical tools of Western guidelines with TCM’s emphasis on digestive balance and gentle Qi cultivation, people with diabetes can achieve meaningful progress without feeling deprived or exhausted.”
This column forms part of the ongoing 20-week series “Living Well with Diabetes”, which has gained strong readership for addressing everyday practical challenges while integrating Western clinical guidelines (including the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) with TCM principles. Given Malaysia’s high diabetes prevalence of approximately 21.1% among adults, the series aims to deliver culturally relevant support for better self-management.

The full column is now available in print and digital editions. Readers are invited to follow the weekly series for continued practical advice on living well with diabetes.

The column is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Readers should consult their doctors or registered TCM practitioners for individual care plans.

About Dr. Annie Tan
Dr. Annie Tan is a Malaysian certified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician. She brings dual expertise in Western diabetes care and TCM, aligned with Malaysian regulatory standards including the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016. She is passionate about providing practical, culturally sensitive education that helps patients integrate lifestyle, medical therapy, and complementary approaches for improved long-term health outcomes.

About Sante Wellness TCM Pte Ltd
Sante Wellness TCM Pte Ltd (also known as 富康中医养生) 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, especially regarding foot health and any complementary therapies.