Updated 23 minutes 20 seconds ago
Nov 7, 2024
Can a digital program help support people with diabetes?
Health plan rolls out broad menu of options, including online coaches
A year ago, David wanted some extra support managing his Type 2 diabetes.
The 63-year-old Tiverton, R.I., resident heard about Virta, a digital program that aims to reverse diabetes through nutritional changes, particularly decreasing sugar and carbohydrates. The program was offered free of charge through his employer under their Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts health plan, and he decided to give it a try.
“I wanted to get more eyes on my diabetes,” David said.
He met with Morgan, a Virta health coach, and they discussed his goals and developed a nutrition plan and a schedule for David to get regular blood work at a lab near his house. Morgan also sent David two scales – one for him, one to weigh food – as well as a glucose monitor and keto reader.
David made substantial changes to his diet, including cutting out about 90% of carbohydrates, and has seen dramatic results.
His blood sugar levels improved, he lost 20 pounds, and he now wears a size 36 pants, a size he hasn’t worn in 15 years. He also has more energy and has taken up biking again.
It was tough to cut out the carbs, but I’m doing it, and I don’t feel deprived. If you follow Virta’s plan, you can kick diabetes to the curb.
David, describing his success managing diabetes
For instance, on any given day, David has an egg and a couple small turkey sausage links for breakfast, leftover steak and a cucumber salad for lunch, grapes for a snack, a pork chop and green beans or spaghetti squash for dinner, and a sugar-free Enlighten ice cream bar for dessert.
His favorite parts of the program are the Virta app, which has recipes and advice for sticking with the changes, including how to navigate dinners out with friends, and the support he receives from Morgan and other Virta coaches, who also stay in touch with his primary care provider.
“Morgan is a great coach,” David said. “When I reach out, she gets right back to me and offers tons of encouragement.”
Morgan is quick to give David credit for his transformation. “David is extremely motivated and dedicated to his goals, and he’s done a great job blending Virta-friendly approaches with what works for him.”
A menu of options
Diabetes affects 1 in 10 Americans, with type 2 affecting the majority, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing the condition, says Dr. Ben Kruskal, a physician who is a medical director at the not-for-profit Blue Cross.
“Virta is just one of the programs we offer to members with diabetes,” Kruskal said. “These members have a variety of different needs, and that’s why we offer a variety of different supports and are constantly looking at new programs, as well.”
Blue Cross’ support options for members with diabetes include:
The value of Virta
The key ingredient in Virta’s success is the program’s health coaches, says Virta Medical Director Dr. Jeff Stanley.
“Our coaches help members make personalized nutritional changes in a way that is sustainable and personalized to them,” Stanley said. “We know these changes are not easy. Our coaches work with members to help them navigate these changes and stick with them.”
Coaches help members with meal planning ideas for all kinds of tastes, cultures and dietary restrictions, Stanley said. They also help members navigate financial, environmental and social challenges, for example, helping members find places they can buy healthy foods in bulk at a lower cost.
There is no cure for diabetes, but Virta coaches aim to help members manage their blood sugar well enough that they no longer need to take medication.
“People in the program also report having more energy and less joint pain and feeling and sleeping better,” Stanley said.
Virta can be a great fit for individuals who are looking to make an ongoing commitment to transformational lifestyle changes. Many patients who make this commitment have seen great success
Blue Cross' Dr. Ben Kruskal
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