Frank got off insulin and reduced his A1c, thanks to help from Comcast NBCUniversal and Virta Health

by Frank, on Virta for 3 months

It’s a beautiful thing to be given the opportunity to focus on yourself for a little while. Between family, work, and the many other competing priorities in our daily lives, I think it’s too easy to put off our own health and well-being. I want to express my gratitude to my employer, Comcast NBCUniversal and CNBC, for providing me with the opportunity to focus on myself through Virta Health.

Back in the mid-90s, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, only shortly after I completed treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Afterwards and over time, my A1c rose to over 9.0%. However, I wrote off type 2 diabetes as simply a blood sugar number my doctor would lecture me about. Especially after just winning my battle with cancer, I didn’t see the urgency in addressing what seemed to be a minor health concern.

However, as the disease progressed, I moved from oral medications, like metformin, to Levemir, an injectable insulin, which caused me to put on weight. In the two years I was on insulin, I put on nearly 40 pounds. No matter what I did, the weight just would not go away. All the while, my endocrinologist kept telling me that my A1c was still too high. So I stuck with the insulin, which caused me to gain weight, even though I knew that I needed to lose that weight. This felt like a classic no-win situation.

I knew I had stumbled upon a potential solution when I discovered Virta’s type 2 diabetes reversal treatment. I had no idea that Virta was covered by Comcast NBCUniversal. I found it while researching in-network physical therapists for my daughter through our employee benefits website. During my research, I noticed a benefit described as a completely covered type 2 diabetes treatment.

And now, three months into the treatment, I can say that my results, which have been life-changing, essentially speak for themselves. My A1c has decreased from 9.3% to the mid-6.0% range and my average daily blood glucose readings have decreased by 38 points since the start and now hover around 137. As my blood sugar normalized and my weight started dropping, my Virta doctor took me off the insulin completely. Since I began treatment, my weight has gone from 239 on my first day to 204, and my waist size has dropped from a 42 to 36. I can’t remember the last time I was so close to weighing in the 100s!

How did Virta do it in just 3 months when I’ve been struggling with type 2 diabetes for decades?

I attribute a large part of this success to my Virta health coach, Laura, who provides me with daily support. Combined with the treatment itself, such as biomarker tracking and my daily weigh-ins, we all work together to maintain my progress and achievements.

Laura, in particular, has been great. She is available to answer any questions I have, and she motivates me to stay the course when I am surrounded by temptations. Sometimes, I’ll send her a photo of a table of desserts and simply say, “You see what I’m dealing with here?” Having someone who understands and gives me tips on how to navigate food choices is invaluable. Coupled with the educational resources available through Virta, such as food guides, videos, and cheat sheets, I can honestly say that the treatment is more than a lifestyle change—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Laura also helps me set and achieve goals, starting with getting off my insulin and losing weight. Now, we are talking about decreasing my metformin and perhaps even picking up an exercise regimen, which isn’t required but something I want to do for myself. We interact daily, and she provides feedback on my numbers, advice on what to eat, and sends me resources to further my own knowledge of my body and type 2 diabetes. All of this helps me be a healthier person from the inside out.

I am so lucky that I stumbled upon Virta in the employee benefits portal, and I am so thankful that Comcast NBCUniversal has given me the privilege of participating in Virta and focusing on my health at no cost to me. My family and I are thrilled at my accomplishments.

For anyone thinking about joining Virta, I just want to say this: those who hesitate are lost. Don’t waste any more time living with type 2 diabetes. Just bring your commitment, and Virta does the rest. You have nothing to lose… except the weight.