Is it safe for women with gestational diabetes to drink soy milk?
Aug 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes may consume soy milk in moderation, but they should avoid adding sugar or other high-sugar ingredients to it. To enhance the taste and palatability of commercially available soy milk, sugar or starch is sometimes added. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should avoid consuming such soy milk. Soy milk is highly nutritious, containing abundant plant-based protein and various vitamins.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy in women whose glucose metabolism was normal prior to pregnancy or who had underlying impaired glucose tolerance. So, can women with gestational diabetes drink soy milk?
Can women with gestational diabetes drink soy milk?
Women with gestational diabetes may consume soy milk in moderation, but must avoid adding sugar or other high-sugar ingredients to it. To enhance flavor and palatability, commercial soy milk products often contain added sugar or starch. Such sweetened soy milk should be avoided by women with gestational diabetes.
Soy milk is highly nutritious, rich in plant-based protein and various vitamins—especially vitamin B1 and vitamin B2—as well as niacin, phospholipids, iron, and other essential nutrients. Moderate consumption of soy milk can help meet the nutritional needs of women with gestational diabetes. As a distinct population, these patients require dietary management that not only helps control blood glucose levels but also ensures adequate caloric intake and nutrition throughout pregnancy, while preventing postprandial hyperglycemia or starvation-induced ketosis. Unsweetened or low-sugar soy milk largely fulfills these requirements; therefore, women with gestational diabetes may appropriately consume unsweetened or low-sugar soy milk. However, when consuming soy milk, they should correspondingly reduce intake of other foods to maintain overall caloric control.
Patients should note that if gestational diabetes has led to renal impairment, soy milk consumption is not recommended. For individuals with compromised kidney function, high-quality animal proteins—such as those found in eggs and chicken—are typically required. Soy milk cannot adequately meet their protein needs and may further burden the kidneys. We hope this information is helpful!
