Can people with diabetes drink homemade soy milk?

Homemade soy milk is generally cleaner and more hygienic, retains the natural flavor of soybeans, and can be customized to suit individual taste preferences. But can people with diabetes drink homemade soy milk?

Can people with diabetes drink homemade soy milk?

Yes, people with diabetes can drink homemade soy milk—but only unsweetened soy milk. Sweetened soy milk should be strictly avoided. Soy protein in soy milk is a high-quality plant-based protein and has minimal impact on blood glucose levels. Moreover, soy protein offers greater benefits than animal protein for managing blood lipid levels.

For individuals with diabetes and normal kidney function, the recommended protein intake should account for 15%–20% of total daily energy intake, with high-quality protein comprising more than half of total protein intake. For those with overt proteinuria or reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), protein intake should be limited to 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight per day. Thus, soy milk can serve as one valuable source of high-quality protein for people with diabetes.

Patients are encouraged to consume more vegetables and mushrooms, which are low in both calories and glycemic index (GI). When selecting fruits, choose low-GI options such as apples, pears, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries—all readily available and known for their low glycemic impact. Additionally, high-quality protein is commonly found in animal-derived foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products. We hope this information proves helpful!