Virta gave me back control of my life, health, and destiny

by Susan, a Virta patient

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At the time, I didn't think it was that big of a deal. I couldn't wrap my head around the severe implications for my health,  so I wasn't proactive in trying to control my blood sugar. I knew in the back of my head though, that eventually the diabetes would catch up with me.

As an obstetrics nurse, I have cared for several pregnant women with diabetes. I was shocked by the number of carbs they would eat, because this meant they had to take a lot of insulin after their meals just to stabilize their blood sugar. I was just sitting there judging them, even though I also had diabetes, and ate very similarly to them.

Since I wasn’t doing much to proactively control my blood sugar, eventually it became dangerously high. I started taking metformin, cut down on soda, and began exercising to help lower my blood sugar and A1c. I figured that someday I would get in better shape and I would be fine.

But I couldn’t seem to get into better shape. In no time, the metformin’s side effects gave me significant intestinal pain. I started taking a smaller dose to try to reduce the pain, but then my A1c reading rose to 10.0%. I was really scared that I would need to take shots of insulin, and I really didn't want to do that. Shortly after getting that 10.0% A1c reading, my coworker told me that she wanted me to be healthy, and that I should look into Virta. She said it was a new treatment that reverses type 2 diabetes, and that it was fully covered by my employer, Nebraska Medicine.

Since starting the Virta treatment in February 2019, I have experienced an amazing reduction in my blood sugars, and now my estimated A1c is 6.2%! Even though I’ve reduced my daily dose of metformin by 1000 mg, my blood sugar has still decreased. My Virta provider has also made sure to communicate these changes with my primary care provider, and my PCP agrees that these changes are right for me. I’ve also lost 35 pounds, which makes me feel really good about my progress.

Since joining Virta, my life has changed in so many positive ways. I now pay attention to food labels and cook at home much more. Virta has taught me the science behind how my food choices affect my blood sugar levels, which helps me make my own healthy food choices. I use the Virta app to keep track of my biomarkers (blood sugar, ketones, and weight). My health coach, who I can text in the app, is always very supportive.

On Virta, I feel like I can now do anything I want, and I am in control of my life and health. I have a lot of hope for a much healthier future, and know that my choices determine my destiny. I have more energy and an improved overall feeling of well-being. I have the stamina for a more active lifestyle, and can now work on a lot of projects around my house. If you are thinking about trying Virta, just do it. Do it for yourself to make your life better.

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