Can people with diabetes drink soy milk? Is it okay to drink it in the morning?

Soy milk is a commonly used dietary protein supplement in daily life and offers significant health benefits. But can people with diabetes drink soy milk—and specifically, is it safe to consume it in the morning?

Can people with diabetes drink soy milk in the morning?

Yes, individuals with diabetes may safely drink soy milk in the morning. Soy milk is rich in plant-based protein, and people with diabetes still require adequate daily protein intake. Therefore, soy milk can be consumed confidently by most diabetic patients without concern. However, caution is warranted for those with diabetic nephropathy. In such cases, soy milk should generally be avoided, as patients with diabetic kidney disease require a low-protein diet emphasizing high-quality (i.e., animal-derived) protein. Plant proteins are less efficiently utilized by the body, and excessive intake may increase renal workload, potentially accelerating the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Thus, if you have diabetic nephropathy, soy milk should be avoided.

For breakfast, individuals with diabetes may choose staple foods such as one or two liang (50–100 g) of steamed buns, mixed-flour buns, sugar-free bread, or vegetable-filled buns. They may then drink milk or soy milk, or eat oatmeal, followed by one boiled egg and a small portion of salad. This balanced combination provides nutritious, healthful sustenance and meets nutritional needs throughout the morning—without causing substantial blood glucose fluctuations.

Additionally, some patients prefer drinking congee (rice porridge) for breakfast—but this is strongly discouraged, as congee leads to a marked postprandial rise in blood glucose. Similarly, fried foods such as youtiao (Chinese crullers) are not recommended for breakfast, since they contribute to elevated blood lipid levels and are otherwise unhealthy. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you optimal health and happiness!