Virta helped me regain my health in difficult times

By Denise, a Virta patient and artist‍

My name is Denise and I’ve had type 2 diabetes for over twenty years. I was first told that I had diabetes in 1995 and I’ve tried hard to control my blood sugar levels and lose weight ever since, but not with much success.

I’m an artist, and up until recently I ran my own home décor and gift shop business. My husband passed away four months ago and in the past, I would not have been able to stay on any kind of program through something like that. I would have given up and not been able to cope, but with all the support my Virta health coach gave me, I was able to continue the Virta Treatment during such a difficult and emotional time. I am the mom of a wonderful son who is the joy of my life. My son is in law school and I’m currently looking very forward to his graduation.

‍The last ten years have been hard due to very difficult life circumstances. During this time, depression set in and my health deteriorated to the point that I didn’t know if I was going to survive. I felt like I was in a deep, dark hole and I didn’t know how to climb out! I was denied health insurance due to my diabetes, and went several years without being able to afford medical care and very expensive prescriptions. My blood sugar was out of control and I tried over and over to lose weight with so many different plans. When I finally was able to see a doctor, my endocrinologist was of very little help. She just put me on about six medications and left me to figure diet and everything else out for myself. Needless to say, things did not go well until one day I saw the post about Virta on Facebook. For the first time, in a very long time, I had hope again. I contacted Virta that day!

The Changes Started Immediately

I noticed a real difference in my health as my blood sugars got better and better after just a couple of weeks! I was astounded how much better things were so quickly. In the six months that I’ve been on Virta, I have eliminated three medications, another one reduced, and I’m hoping they all will be gone! In fact, I had a fasting blood glucose of 92 this morning. When I went to the doctor last week I found out that my A1C had dropped from 10.1 to 7.5. I’ve also lost 50 pounds! I’m much more active and want to do more things! It's all so thrilling!

I feel that food no longer rules my life. Since I’m just changing the food I’m eating instead of restricting calories, I’m almost never hungry and there are so many wonderful low carb recipes to choose from. It's just the most incredible feeling.

Although there have been a few ups and downs along the way, my Virta health coach has helped me stay on track. The daily interaction with him is the missing link between success and failure. On Virta there is the care of the health coach and a physician on a daily basis! How amazing is that? Everyone is so encouraging, and it just makes you want to do so well. What a blessing to be placed in such caring hands! There also are so many very helpful educational resources available. I am so grateful to Virta and everyone associated with it. This treatment has saved my life!

I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel now. My faith in God has brought me through so much and I’m reminded of one of my favorite scriptures, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” I have so much hope now because of this and because of the Virta treatment!

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