Meal replacement shakes an effective type 2 diabetes treatment, study finds

Meal replacement shakes such as Nestle Optifast can effectively treat type 2 diabetes, new research has found.

A University of Sydney study found replacing food with the shakes for 13 weeks, in conjunction with weight management education, led to remission of type 2 diabetes for half of participants.

Associate professor from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, Tania Markovic, said it’s “based on very good science” and “allows you to lose a substantial amount of weight in a short period of time”.

Press PLAY below to hear what the research found

Shakes for the trial were donated by Nestle, leading to concerns over Diabetes Australia’s independence. The peak diabetes body says it actively promotes information about “the latest evidence regarding dietary approaches” to sending type 2 diabetes into remission.