This study is a double-blind, randomized, trial of a commercially available meal-replacement shake versus a placebo control designed to evaluate the impact on quality of life, safety, and tolerability. It also includes a randomized, non-blinded third arm consisting of only dietary guidelines.

A total of 147 participants will be recruited for the study following screening, with the expectation that approximately 131 participants will complete the trial. The 147 participants will be randomized to the three different study arms in a 2:1:1 ratio with the commercially available meal-replacement shake group being the one favored, i.e., 73 participants in that arm and 37 in the other two arms.

The trial will be mostly virtual, with in-person visits to a laboratory facility for blood draws, as well as standardized BMI calculations, waist circumference, and blood pressure readings. A technology platform will be utilized to screen, enroll and capture study data of the participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with T2D for ≥90 days
• HbA1c of 7.5 to 10.5%, inclusive
• BMI of 27 to 50 kg/m2, inclusive
• Treatment for T2D with lifestyle intervention only (for at least 90 days) or, if using antidiabetic medication(s), treated with a stable daily dose (for at least 90 days) of any of the following agents alone or in any combination: metformin (any formulation), sulfonylurea (e.g., glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride), DPP-4 inhibitor (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin), SGLT-2 inhibitor (e.g., empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ertugliflozin), GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide, dulaglutide)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have type 1 diabetes or secondary forms of diabetes (e.g., secondary to cystic fibrosis)
• Have a history of severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia requiring hospitalization within the prior 6 months
• Have required insulin therapy for the treatment of T2D (with the exception of prior acute, temporary use during a hospitalization and/or for past treatment of gestational diabetes)
• Treatment with any glucose-lowering agent(s) other than those stated in the inclusion criteria during a period of 90 days prior to screening
• Receiving chronic oral steroid therapy (excluding those for skin, eyes, nose, or inhaled) or have received such therapy within 1 month of screening
• Female who is pregnant, breastfeeding or intends to become pregnant during the course of the study
• Participation in a clinical research trial within 30 days prior to screening
• Food allergies to ingredients in the shake including but not limited to milk protein allergy
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn's disease
• Celiac disease
• Cardiovascular (CV) conditions within 2 months prior to screening: acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), or hospitalization due to congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Other gastrointestinal conditions which in the investigator's opinion may jeopardize the individual's safety or interfere with the ability to comply with the study.
• Gastrointestinal surgeries such as those for weight loss, large bowel resection or small bowel resection which in the investigator's opinion may jeopardize the individual's safety or interfere with the ability to comply with the study.
• Have a history of any other condition such as known drug, alcohol abuse, or psychiatric disorder which in the investigator's opinion may jeopardize the individual's safety or interfere with the ability to comply with the study.
• Any disorder, unwillingness or inability, which in the investigator's opinion, might jeopardize the individual's safety or interfere with the ability to comply with the study.