Tovic Salvador

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175670418933020250707090740_walking.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="line-height:1;text-align:center"><em>Photo source: </em><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-wearing-pink-sports-shoes-walking-1556710/"><em>Pexels</em></a></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Do you notice an increase in the size of your belly? Not only when you are full, but a noticeable large waist increase? Moreover, are you always hungry or do you feel always thirsty or want to urinate more?</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">You might have insulin resistance without knowing it. Insulin resistance is a condition where your body does not respond to insulin the way it should. As insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas, resistance to it may lead to an increase in your blood glucose levels. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Certain factors may be the reason for you to develop insulin resistance, including:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Overweight or obesity with a large waist size.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Family history of diabetes.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Not being physically active.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Smoking products like tobacco, e-cigarettes, or being exposed to secondhand smoke.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Having a history of gestational diabetes which develops during pregnancy.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) External link, Cushing&#x27;s syndrome, acromegaly, sleep apnea, and other viral diseases.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Taking certain medications over time such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/steroids.html">glucocorticoids</a> or steroids, some <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2362">antipsychotics</a>, and some medicines for HIV.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Moreover, blood sugar fluctuations may <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10661899/#sec5">cause weight to swing</a> due to how the body responds to both high and low glucose levels.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">When blood sugar is too high, the body loses sugar through <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/glycosuria">urine</a>. This leads to a loss of calories and water, resulting in weight loss. High blood sugar also causes the body to lose water stored in muscles, which contributes further to temporary weight loss.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">However, when treatment improves blood sugar levels, the body stops losing sugar and water through urine. Muscles start storing sugar again along with water. This leads to weight gain, even though blood sugar is controlled. These changes in water and energy balance make weight go up and down as sugar levels <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-symptoms/art-20044248#:~:text=Weight%20loss,people%20with%20type%202%20diabetes.">change</a>.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Additionally, some diabetes medications that lower blood sugar—like insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones—may cause <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6318231/">weight gain</a>. They either increase body fat, water retention, or trigger low blood sugar episodes or hypoglycemia, which make people eat more. This extra eating adds calories, which may cause weight gain, especially when trying to lose weight.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In short, sugar fluctuations affect calorie loss, water balance, muscle storage, and hunger, all of which lead to changes in weight.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">It is often hard to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10661899/">lose weight </a>with diabetes, particularly type 2, due to several factors including insulin resistance, medication side effects, and the body&#x27;s tendency to conserve energy. However, it is not impossible.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1"><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4238418/">Losing weight</a> is often advised by a physician to improve glycemic control.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28417575/#:~:text=Results:%20The%20literature%20search%20identified,same%20degree%20of%20weight%20loss">study</a> shows that for every 1 kilo (around 2.2 pounds) you lose, your HbA1C, a key marker of long-term blood sugar, may improve by about 0.1%. Moreover, losing 5%-7% of your body weight, roughly 10–15 pounds for many adults, may sound small, but it is enough to feel light, energized, and in control.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Start small, but be consistent</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Build small habits you may stick to. Even simple wins like a home-cooked meal or a quick walk after lunch may add up to real progress. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">You may also start working out on an empty stomach, about 3 to 4 hours after your last meal, which may help your <a href="https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/eating-tips-before-after-exercise">body burn more fat</a>. If you feel that it is too difficult for you, try to eat a light snack like a banana, boiled egg to give you enough energy without adding too many extra calories, and have plenty of water.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">There is no need to do extreme exercises. Just 20 minutes to 30 minutes of movement a day – like brisk walking, dancing, or even house chores, may go a long way. Add strength exercises twice a week, like squats or lifting light weights.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For everyday meals, balance is key. A good combination of carbs, protein, and fiber helps keep your blood sugar steady, prevents energy crashes, and curbs hunger. To help stay in control of diabetes, your diet has to be nutritionally complete as part of type 2 diabetes management.  </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">One easy way to build your meal? Try the <a href="https://diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/what-diabetes-plate#:~:text=To%20start%20out%2C%20you%20need,dessert%20plate%20for%20your%20meals">Diabetes Plate Method</a>:  </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Start with a 9-inch plate, then portion it like this: </p><p style="line-height:1">- Half of your plate: non-starchy vegetables like kangkong, ampalaya, pechay, talong, okra, sayote, carrots </p><p style="line-height:1">- One-quarter: lean protein like grilled chicken, tofu, egg, sardines, tilapia, adobo (with less oil), or beans </p><p style="line-height:1">- One-quarter: quality carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potato, corn, fruits, or whole grains)</p><div style="line-height:1;text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175670346436720250707090740_FISH.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/> <em>Photo source: </em><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/friends-sitting-at-table-with-delicious-food-while-having-lunch-6354370/"><em>Pexels</em></a></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">A doctor or dietitian may help you set goals that work for you. There are also products like Glucerna—a diabetes-specific formula made with a unique Triple Control System (Inositol, slow-release carb system, and Chromium). It is a simple way to stay on track, especially when life gets hectic. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1"><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-25-1180-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250901_250930&amp;utm_content=traffic-artweight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Glucerna</a> can be used as a nutritional supplement as part of a necessary diabetic meal plan. It is a specialized nutrition scientifically formulated to help control blood sugar as part of a diabetes management plan, along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest. Glucerna has 228 kcal per serving, and helps you feel full due to its slow-release carbohydrates and unique fiber content with balanced meals and exercise.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Various clinical trials show that Glucerna helps participants:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Lose up to 15 pounds in 6 months (vs. nutritional counselling alone; with balanced meals and healthy lifestyle)</p><div style="line-height:1">- Control blood sugar levels up to 90% of the time (with balanced meals and healthy lifestyle) <img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175670342331120250707090740_GlucernaCAN.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="line-height:1;text-align:center"><em>Photo source: Glucerna</em></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Glucerna comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors, making it a valuable option for those navigating the challenges of weight loss and diabetes management, along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For more information, please visit the official Glucerna <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-25-1180-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250901_250930&amp;utm_content=traffic-artweight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>.  </p><p style="line-height:1">To explore Glucerna products, 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-25-1180-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250901_250930&amp;utm_content=traffic-artweight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopee</a>, <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-25-1180-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250901_250930&amp;utm_content=traffic-artweight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lazada</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alagangfamilynutrition?lang=en&amp;utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1180-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=250901_250930&amp;utm_content=traffic-artweight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a> pages.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">ASC Reference Number: A0019P082625G</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><em>References:</em></div><div style="line-height:1"><em>a. Chee WSS, et al. BMJ Open Diab Res Care. 2017;5:e000384. doi:10.1136/bmjdrc-2016-000384</em></div><div style="line-height:1"><em>b. Peng J, Lu J, Ma X, et al. Br J Nutr. 2019;121:560-566.</em></div><div style="line-height:1"><em>c. Tey SL, et al. Front. Nutr. 2024; 11:1400580. </em></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>Losing weight may support diabetes management, but when blood sugar levels fluctuate frequently, effective control requires healthy eating and regular physical activity.</p>

Losing weight may support diabetes management, but when blood sugar levels fluctuate frequently, effective control requires healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Why weight loss feels hard with high blood sugar

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Brand News - Health & Science

Why weight loss feels hard with high blood sugar

Glucerna

Published Sep 01, 2025 01:27 PM PHT

|

Updated Sep 02, 2025 10:16 AM PHT

Read More:

Brand News

advertorial

lifestyle

health

Glucerna

diabetes

weight loss

blood sugar

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.