From a diabetes denial to a Virta victory, how Jon changed his life

By Jon, UPSer for 33 years, on Virta for 6 months

The world ended the day I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Not literally, but it sure felt that way. I wish I could say I changed my life and began eating healthier and taking better care of myself, but that would be false. My doctor prescribed me some medication that would keep my diabetes at bay, but my blood sugars were still averaging 150-200 mg/dL. Honestly, I was in denial for a few years about my diagnosis.  

Last year, my son and I joined a gym and  started exercising together. I lost a few pounds because of that but did not change my diet so my blood sugars were still above 150 mg/dL. Earlier this year, I saw a UPS message about Virta and how it could help me reverse type 2 diabetes. It seemed like an interesting concept and I was eligible, so I signed up. Through conversations with my health coach, Candace, I learned Virta was not a “diet” but really a shift in your mentality and lifestyle around food.

An unofficial UPS mantra is: you do what you have to to get the job done. After the recent hurricane in Florida, my team’s goal was to get all the packages delivered as timely and safely as possible.  As an Equipment Coordinator for the South Zone, I have to make sure that packages and our assets are always moving. We work hard at delivering our promise, this is service. It’s the same mindset at Virta. Candace and I set a few goals to reduce my A1c to 5.0% and lose 45 pounds.  I am happy to share that I am on track to exceed my goals. Since starting Virta, I have lowered my A1c from 7.0% to 5.0% and have lost almost 30 pounds and counting.

I feel better than I ever imagined and am living a life I only dreamed of before. Virta changed my life and it can change yours too.

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