Weight reduction is an important therapeutic target for overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, many of these individuals struggle to lose weight. Using liquid meal replacements within a structured dietary plan may be a viable solution. Liquid meal replacements provide a mixture of carbohydrates, fat, and protein, along with added vitamins and minerals, in ready-to-drink form or powder formulas that require mixing. They are frequently used to replace one or two main meals each day and are often supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and nuts to achieve the targeted daily caloric intake.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care showed that liquid meal replacements helped overweight and obese participants with type 2 diabetes lose an average of about five pounds more than participants who tried a conventional low-calorie diet. This meta-analysis also found modest reductions in BMI and systolic blood pressure.

“A variety of dietary patterns and popular weight loss programs have been shown to help individuals with type 2 diabetes lose weight. Our findings suggest that there is one more tool in the toolbox. The best way for individuals to achieve the benefits of any diet is the one that they can follow and stick to” said Jarvis Noronha, Clinical Research Coordinator at GI Labs, and the study’s lead researcher.