Virta helped Debra lower her blood sugar, lose weight, and take control of her diabetes.

I knew I had symptoms of type 2 diabetes even before I was officially diagnosed. I had been experiencing blurry eyesight for a few years and knew it could be caused by high blood sugar. During this same time, I had also been caring for my mom. After she passed away, I decided that I wanted to be around for my children for as long as possible and even see my grandchildren start their own families. By this point, I was 65 years old and tired of struggling with my health. With my doctor’s help, I started to educate myself about diabetes and began to work with a dietician and an ophthalmologist. I started looking for any resources to help me stay motivated on my journey to a healthier life.

After she passed away, I decided that I wanted to be around for my children for as long as possible and even see my grandchildren start their own families.

I found out about Virta because I work for SCAN Health Plan as a peer advocate. I heard that SCAN members who qualified could join a diabetes reversal program for free, and I was ready to try anything that would help! ​​In addition to working for SCAN, they also provide my Medicare insurance, so I just needed to see if I qualified. I took the next step and submitted my application online. 

I officially joined Virta in early August 2021 with the full support of my family, friends, and primary care doctor. Once I got started, there was no stopping me. My Virta health coach Monica helped me become a low carb connoisseur. The idea of giving up bread and potatoes was tough, but once I heard that I could eat bacon, eggs, and cheese, I was all for it! Having someone to check-in with made the transition to eating low carb foods so easy. She helped me learn about how carbs affect my body and which foods I should be eating to stop having those blood sugar spikes. I also love all the tips she sends over to me, especially the grocery lists specifically for stores in my area. I’m now stocked up on keto-friendly snacks and love visiting the Virta community forum to find new recipes to use with my air fryer. 

When I first started Virta, I didn’t know what to expect. But after seeing the results after only a few months and getting so much support from my health coach, I felt like Virta was designed just for me. I am now below the diabetes range with an A1c at 6% after starting at 6.6%. I’ve also lost almost 25 pounds and feel so much more energized on a daily basis. For the first time, I am tuned in to how my body works. I have always had a great family support system, but now I have Virta as well. I feel like I now have everything I need to take control of my diabetes and keep getting healthier.

I am now below the diabetes range with an A1c at 6% after starting at 6.6%. I’ve also lost almost 25 pounds and feel so much more energized on a daily basis. For the first time, I am tuned in to how my body works.

If it wasn’t for Virta, I have no idea where I would be today. When I looked into Virta, I wasn’t looking for a diet; I was looking for a total lifestyle change, and Virta blew my expectations out of the water. I know Virta is going to be something that I stick with for the rest of my life. I’m looking forward to the day where I clear up my blurry eyesight, stop needing to take diabetes medications, and reverse my diabetes. I recommend Virta to anyone struggling with their health and wants to get better. Virta will help you get there, and I love that SCAN is offering Virta to members like me for free.