Nelson Morales

Here's why you feel tired after eating or midday

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175550118871120250626070652_FATIGUE.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p style="line-height:1;text-align:center">Photo source: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-yellow-shirt-resting-on-her-arm-3808017/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Pexels</em></a> </p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">Constantly low on energy? It may not just be fatigue due to work, traffic, or stress. If you notice that your energy levels tend to go down and you lose focus after an activity or after eating, your body might be telling you that you are going through a glucose spike. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">A glucose spike may occur after consuming carbohydrates, or it may also be triggered by lack of sleep, taking certain medications, stress, and other factors.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>How glucose affects energy</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Glucose is a form of sugar your body gets from food, particularly carbohydrates. It powers your brain, muscles, and every cell in the body.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">After eating, blood sugar levels naturally increase. Your body processes this glucose by using some for immediate energy and storing the rest for later. If the meal contains high amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates such as white bread, soda, or pastries, blood sugar may spike quickly.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">This spike is often followed by a sharp drop, known as a crash. During this time, you may feel sluggish, unusually hungry, or irritable.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Fatigue: A common early sign of diabetes</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">This pattern of glucose spike and drop may also be an early sign of diabetes. </p><p style="line-height:1">In the Philippines, the number of diabetes cases continues to rise, yet many remain undiagnosed.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels remain high. Over time, it may cause serious complications involving the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">According to the Department of Science and Technology&#x27;s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/6/6/2-in-10-pinoys-are-prediabetic-study-1520" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">two out of every ten Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 are prediabetic</a>.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Even before receiving a diagnosis, many people already experience blood sugar swings. These may affect daily life through constant hunger or thirst, low energy, brain fog, and emotional fluctuations.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Fatigue often appears early. It is easy to attribute this to stress, lack of sleep, or aging. However, it may be the body&#x27;s way of signaling that something is wrong. Recognizing these early signs allows you to take steps toward better health sooner.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Small habits that help keep energy steady </strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Managing blood sugar does not always require a complete diet overhaul. A few adjustments to daily routines may support stable energy levels.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Here are a few strategies:</p><p style="line-height:1">1. Balance each meal by combining carbohydrates with protein, fiber, or healthy fats to slow digestion.</p><p style="line-height:1">2. Monitor portion sizes. Even healthy options such as rice or fruit may cause spikes when consumed in large amounts.</p><p style="line-height:1">3. Choose carbohydrates that digest slowly, such as whole grains, beans, and non-starchy vegetables.</p><p style="line-height:1">4. Take short walks after meals to help your body process glucose effectively.</p><p style="line-height:1">5. Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep may negatively affect blood sugar regulation.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Pay attention to how different food make you feel. If white bread and sugary drinks often leave you sleepy, try alternatives like oatmeal or whole-grain toast paired with eggs and fruit. Over time, these small changes may lead to improvements in energy and focus.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>When support makes a difference</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Recognizing the signs early improves your chances of restoring balance. Lifestyle changes involving mindful eating, regular movement, and food awareness may enhance daily well-being.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">To help you on this daily journey, <a href="https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/get-glucerna/ask-an-expert.html?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1133-always on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250801_250831&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfatigue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Glucerna</a> may offer helpful nutritional support. It contains slow-release carbohydrates, fiber, and protein designed to promote steadier blood sugar levels vs non-use; along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest. Glucerna has a unique triple control system (Inositol, slow-release carb system, and Chromium) which helps control blood sugar and helps for steady release of energy with balanced meals and healthy lifestyle. </p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:400px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17555003138501755500311117.png" style="width:400px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: Abbott"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo source: Abbott </span></span></span> </div><p style="line-height:1">Glucerna is available in vanilla and chocolate flavors.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">To learn more about Glucerna, you may visit their <a href="https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/home.html?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1133-always on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250801_250831&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfatigue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. You may also purchase Glucerna from groceries and pharmacies near you or visit their <a href="https://shopee.ph/scp/34402434/eyJjaWQiOjQwMTUxLCJzaWQiOjM0NDAxMDUwLCJpc0RyYWZ0IjpmY%20WxzZX0%3D?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1133-always on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250801_250831&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfatigue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopee</a> and <a href="https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/abbott1630395516/custom-1654438190093.html?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1133-always on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250801_250831&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfatigue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lazada</a> pages.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1">ASC Reference Code: A0147P081325G</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><em>References:</em></div><div style="line-height:1"><em>1. Peng J, Lu J, Ma X, et al. Br J Nutr. 2019;121:560-566</em></div>

<p>Work, traffic, or stress may not always be the culprit to low levels midday, your body may be telling you something crucial.</p>

Work, traffic, or stress may not always be the culprit to low levels midday, your body may be telling you something crucial.

Here's why you feel tired after eating or midday

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Brand News - Health & Science

Here's why you feel tired after eating or midday

Glucerna

Published Aug 18, 2025 03:19 PM PHT

|

Updated Sep 02, 2025 05:12 PM PHT

Read More:

Brand News

advertorial

lifestyle

health

Glucerna

glucose

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.