Latest news with #diabetesreversal
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aetna Marks 3 Years of Type 2 Diabetes Reversal through Virta Health, Thousands See Results
New data shows continued clinically significant outcomes, including improvements across blood sugar, medication reduction and weight loss PHOENIX, July 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, celebrates three years of investing in members by offering an evidence-based diabetes reversal initiative. In 2022, the insurer was an early adopter of Virta Health for diabetes reversal – the process of reducing blood glucose levels to below the threshold used to diagnose diabetes.1 Since then, the program enrollment has grown 290% and thousands of members have achieved sustainable health transformations while reducing their need for expensive weight loss medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic.2 The flexible app-based program uses a virtual model to address the root cause of metabolic disease through individualized nutrition plans that fit members' unique lifestyles, cultural background, dietary preferences, and budget. Thanks to the personalized approach and one-on-one expert support, participants are experiencing significant and lasting outcomes. Recent data shows that Banner|Aetna members saw meaningful metabolic health improvements after 365 days of program enrollment, including the following. Blood sugar reduction: On average, members saw a 0.97% reduction in A1C blood sugar levels.3 Every one-point decrease in A1C reduces the risk of long-term diabetes complications by up to 40%. Prescription reduction: Members eliminated 57% of diabetes medications (excluding metformin), including a 66% reduction in insulin dosages. Of those on insulin, 44% eliminated it completely.4 Clinically significant weight loss: 61% of members experienced clinically significant weight loss (5% or more); on average, members lost 8% of their body weight.5 Clinically significant weight loss can lead to better sleep, reduced inflammation, improved blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and positive impacts on arthritis and fatty liver disease. In addition to the diabetes reversal program demonstrating outstanding clinical results, Banner|Aetna's omnichannel outreach approach achieves 3x higher member engagement compared to industry averages.6 Through deep integration with Banner Health—one of Banner|Aetna's parent companies and Arizona's largest healthcare delivery system—the insurer leverages the Banner Health clinical and care management teams to refer eligible members into a diabetes management program. "The U.S. is facing a metabolic disease crisis. One in 10 people lives with diabetes, and most have type 2. One in three has prediabetes," explains Ed Clarke, MD, Banner|Aetna Medical Director and VP, CMO Banner Plans & Networks. "These conditions take a toll on the physical, emotional and financial health of millions of people in Arizona. That's why Banner|Aetna collaborated with Virta to offer members a holistic, non-pharmacological approach that puts disease reversal within reach. The feedback from members who have completed the program shows its dramatic impact on their lives. Not only do they gain a better understanding of disease management, but more importantly how they can take control health of their health." The results speak for themselves as members are achieving notable clinical outcomes helping them reclaim their lives, while also having a positive effect that ripples out to their families and the broader community. For Banner|Aetna member Shelby*, learning to use food as medicine has led to "amazing" changes in her life, including increased energy, better sleep, and weight loss. "I have learned how my body reacts to a wide array of foods and what I can eat to help it flourish," she explains. "I am very thankful for the support my coach provides every step of the way, and her encouragement that I am worth the hard work." Banner|Aetna currently offers type 2 diabetes reversal to eligible members of fully insured and Administrative Services Only groups. Additionally, Banner|Aetna self-funded employer groups can access Virta's prediabetes and obesity reversal offerings, which use the same innovative care model. About Banner|Aetna Banner|Aetna is a health insurance company focusing on bettering member outcomes at a lower cost, all while improving the overall member experience for employers and consumers in Arizona. The collaboration combines Banner Health's quality, local providers and delivery systems with Aetna's health-plan experience, care management and health information technology. Banner|Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. For more information about Banner|Aetna, visit About Banner Health Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world's leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner's array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit About CVS Health CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had more than 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company's integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs. _____________________ 1 Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH et al. Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1 October 2021; 44 (10): 2438–2444. 2 Virta Health & Banner|Aetna Clinical Outcomes. March 31, 2025.3 Virta Health & Banner|Aetna Clinical Outcomes. February 27, 2025.4 Ibid.5 Ibid.6 Engagement data reported by Virta Health. January 2023-May 2025. * The member's uncompensated testimonial reflects the enrollee's experience with Virta Health. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Sarah McLeodActivate Healthsmcleod@ Virta Healthpress@
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes? This Woman Did It in Just 3 Months!
Perhaps you've heard a doctor say that type 2 diabetes is a permanent condition that will require medication for life. Still, you may be holding out hope and wondering if you can reverse type 2 diabetes. We have good news. The answer is yes, and there are several successful paths to healing. Fred Pescatore, MD, confirms, 'There's more than one way to reverse diabetes.' Keep reading to learn how one woman successfully reversed her disease. First, it's worth noting that type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be successfully managed with the help of diabetes medications and a healthy lifestyle, but not reversed. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder that can be reversed with the right approach. Research from the University of Michigan published in the journal Current Diabetes Reports found that weight-loss surgery put type 2 diabetes into remission in 72 percent of patients within two years. But surgery isn't the only promising approach. There are also popular medications including metformin and GLP-1s (like Ozempic and Wegovy) that research shows help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight, reduce blood sugar and improve metabolic health to the point where they have reversed their prediabetes or diabetes. 'There's more than one way to reverse diabetes.' —Fred Pescatore, MD Then there's diet and lifestyle measures that improve insulin resistance and keep blood glucose levels steady. Dr. Pescatore has seen amazing transformations with his patients, sharing, 'I've helped 're-program' my patients' bodies to work the way they're supposed to naturally.' Tabitha Morales blinked her eyes and tried to concentrate, but her blurred vision continued. That's when she knew: The prediabetes she'd been struggling with for years was getting worse. Sure enough, a doctor soon upgraded the diagnosis, saying Tabitha officially had type 2 diabetes. It made sense. She'd also suffered from weight gain and extreme fatigue. But she didn't like the idea that this was her permanent reality, especially after she'd watched her whole family struggle with the disease. With a sense of fear and hopelessness setting in, Tabitha realized, I need to find out if I can change this diagnosis and become a better version of myself… before it's too late. Desperate to turn her health around, Tabitha joined WeightWatchers and started to make healthy dietary tweaks to manage her diabetes symptoms. To improve her blood-sugar levels, she swapped out sugary soda for sparkling water. This helped to curb cravings and prevent energy crashes. She also cut out coffee, which allowed her to get better sleep—another factor that aids in improved metabolic health and weight loss. Using the WeightWatchers app and Points System, Tabitha tracked her portions and found she could still enjoy her favorite foods without overeating. At mealtimes, she prioritized protein, which kept her feeling full longer. She shares, 'I became more mindful of my food choices by consistently reading labels and scanning items with the Food Scanner in my app, allowing me to make more informed decisions both at the grocery store and when dining out.' For exercise, Tabitha started taking morning walks with her dogs. Tracking her steps inspired her to move more. 'Within weeks, I noticed a boost in my energy levels. I no longer felt winded. And getting out of bed in the morning felt easier.' She also began to appreciate the beauty she saw while walking outdoors. She was amazed by how much more she noticed around her once her thoughts shifted away from feeling tired. Tabitha also looked for ways to reduce her stress, which can affect cravings and even spike blood sugar levels. She says, 'I started doing nightly Zumba on my Wii, which became a fun and effective way to relieve stress. It helped me unwind, sleep better and gave me an enjoyable way to stay active.' She adds, 'Prioritizing rest, managing stress and staying active made a significant difference in how I felt and helped to balance hormones and improve overall wellbeing.' Tabitha attended once-weekly WeightWatchers meetings, finding the accountability helpful. Connecting with other people who were facing similar health challenges was a powerful part of her journey. 'Hearing their stories and sharing experiences helped me stay motivated, reinforced my commitment and inspired me to keep going.' Thanks to these changes, the weight steadily melted off. And when Tabitha returned to her doctor, she received good news. She was told, 'you have reversed your diabetes.' It only took three months! She improved her diabetes A1C (a measure of her average blood sugar) from 7 to 5.2. And her typical blood sugar readings improved from around 150 to 90. The doctor also reduced Tabitha's metformin medication to its lowest dosage. Within eight months, Tabitha lost 68 pounds and saw a life of possibility open up. 'Now I can try on outfits without wondering whether the clothes will fit me, and enjoy the waterpark without worrying about fitting into rides or breaking chairs.' Tabitha says, 'It's not all about the number on the scale—it's about how I feel. It changed my mindset, let me think clearer and be more positive in the world. I didn't realize how much I was holding back living my life and now I know that I can't truly live to the fullest unless I am healthy.' Now the future looks brighter. 'To know that I was able to reverse my type 2 diabetes so quickly meant that I had control of my health.' She adds, 'I feel so much better today. This is the healthiest I've been since 2017!' 5 Sneaky Skin Symptoms That Could Signal High Blood Sugar or Undiagnosed Diabetes Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss? Top Doctors Reveal the Sneaky Culprits and Simple Remedies What To Drink To Lower Blood Sugar Immediately: 5 Tasty Sips That Work Fast
