Can I use diet shakes as part of my diet? I am type 2, and can't exercise due to mobility problems. I am on insulin and metformin.

Yes, meal replacement shakes or powders can certainly be part of a weight-loss plan. We use meal replacements as part of our weight management program here at Joslin. There are many options to choose from, but you might want to look for meal replacements that are geared specifically for people with diabetes. These are lower in carbohydrate than other types of shakes. Examples include Boost Glucose Control, Boost Calorie Smart, Glucerna Hunger Smart and Equate Ultra Weight Loss shake. You can take shakes for one or two meals of the day, and then eat a lower fat, nutritionally balanced meal as your third meal. Because it takes careful planning to incorporate meal replacements into your eating plan, I’d advise you to ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian. He or she can help you figure out the best type of meal replacement to use and how to plan your other meals and snacks during the day, taking into account your diabetes medicines. Finally, because physical activity is such an important part of both weight and diabetes management, talk to your doctor about seeing an exercise physiologist or physical therapist. They can help you find exercises that are appropriate for you, such as armchair exercises or resistance bands, for example.