Virta Reaffirms Transformative Impact on Metabolic Health and Health Equity at ADA’s 84th Scientific Sessions

Starting with Virta’s landmark clinical trial on type 2 diabetes reversal, our commitment to scientific leadership has been critical to our lasting success with members, customers, and the medical community. Simply put, science is the foundation of all that we do at Virta—providing an evidence-based, nutrition-first approach to help transform health and vitality for our members. 

For the past eight years, we’ve presented our most important findings at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions, the nation’s leading diabetes conference. This year was no different.

Below, we’ve summarized the ten abstracts presented at the 2024 event. We welcome questions, so please reach out to research@virtahealth.com if you’d like to learn more!

Virta’s approach improves health outcomes across diverse populations

Our latest health equity research compared outcomes from members in rural vs. urban areas, older vs. younger individuals, men vs. women, and based on Area Deprivation Index (a proxy for socioeconomic status). Across all groups, members experienced significant, similar improvements in key health indicators like blood sugar, weight, and triglycerides, along with high retention rates. 

Many healthcare interventions struggle to drive engagement and outcomes among diverse populations. Virta’s focus on accessibility, one-on-one coaching, and personalized nutrition is key to our success with hard-to-reach groups, such as rural Americans, older adults, and those with limited access to fresh, healthy foods.  

Each abstract is linked below. This also builds on our past health equity research, reinforcing Virta’s commitment to inclusive care.  

• Outcomes in Rural vs. Urban Members with Prediabetes: One Year
• Outcomes in Rural vs. Urban Members with T2D: One Year
• Outcomes by Age and Gender in Members with Prediabetes: One Year
• Outcomes by Age and Gender in Members with T2D: One Year
• Outcomes by Area Deprivation Index in Members with T2D: Two Years

Virta improves key diabetes metric—time in range—regardless of CGM use 

Time in range (the amount of time one spends in the target blood sugar range) is considered the gold standard in diabetes control, as A1c (a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months) fails to account for day-to-day fluctuations that can impact health outcomes. 

This study, in collaboration with Richard Bergenstal, MD, Executive Director at the International Diabetes Center, showed that Virta members improved both A1c and time in range (TIR) while decreasing the need for diabetes medications. In just three months, TIR increased to >85% of the day for Virta members, far exceeding the 70% goal for reducing risk of diabetes complications. TIR also increased by at least 22% for all members, with a 10% increase associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. 

This study also assessed whether using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) would help members improve TIR more than using the traditional fingerstick method. After three months, both groups achieved similar improvements in TIR and medication reduction, showing Virta’s impact regardless of CGM use. 

Cardiovascular and metabolic markers improve on Virta, even with modest weight loss

Our latest research shows that even with modest weight loss, members experience significant cardiometabolic benefits. For instance, members with T2D with <5% weight loss still saw clinically significant blood sugar improvements; those who lost more saw even greater improvements. These results affirm previous research that dietary changes can meaningfully improve metabolic health, independent of major weight loss.

Virta has best-in-class safety profile

It’s a common misconception that being in nutritional ketosis can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication that can develop in people with diabetes. While both involve increased ketones in the blood, it is extremely rare that someone with type 2 diabetes will experience DKA while  following a well-formulated ketogenic diet. 

Safety is at the forefront of our approach. Finding very few instances of DKA in our patient population over the last 6 years, this research supports our commitment to safe and effective care for members. 

In closing, we’re incredibly proud of the work showcased for the broader medical and research communities at ADA’s Scientific Sessions. We’re dedicated to putting these findings into practice while undertaking new research, all aimed at helping our members achieve better health and vitality.