Banner|Aetna Members Eliminate Medications and See Significant, Sustained Weight Loss on Its Type 2 Diabetes Reversal Program Through Virta Health
August 28 2024 - 11:38AM
Business Wire
In one year, members eliminated 66% of diabetes
medications through the personalized, nutrition-first approach
Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health
and Aetna, a CVS Health company, announced one-year member outcomes
from its diabetes reversal program powered by Virta Health, a
leader in diabetes reversal and sustainable weight loss.
After just six months, Banner|Aetna members saw transformational
health outcomes. In one year, those results are even more dramatic
and demonstrate the long-lasting success of Virta’s program.
Sustained metabolic health improvements for Banner|Aetna members
enrolled at one year include:
- Prescription reduction: Members eliminated 66% of
diabetes medications (excluding metformin), including an 83%
reduction in insulin dosages. Of those on insulin, 58% eliminated
it completely.
- Blood sugar reduction: On average, members saw a 1.4%
reduction in A1c blood sugar levels. Every one-point decrease in
A1c reduces the risk of long-term diabetes complications by up to
40%.
- Clinically significant weight loss: Members experienced
11% weight loss on average (5% is considered clinically
significant). Clinically significant weight loss can lead to better
sleep, reduced inflammation, improved blood pressure, reduced risk
of heart disease and positive impacts on arthritis and fatty liver
disease.
Banner|Aetna members nationwide receive care that fits their
unique lifestyle, culture, dietary preferences, and budget thanks
to Virta’s expert care and personalized approach to nutrition.
“Virta is flexible, and that’s why it works,” said Robert
Groves, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer at
Banner|Aetna. “With one-on-one support and individualized nutrition
plans, our members are achieving life-changing outcomes that last,
without the need for expensive medications like GLP1s.”
Banner|Aetna member David—a middle school teacher in Yuma,
AZ—spent years struggling with his out-of-control Type 2 diabetes.
Even while injecting two types of insulin up to six times per day,
David’s blood sugar jumped to dangerous levels and he continued to
gain weight. After losing several family members to the disease, he
knew it was time to make a change.
Since starting Virta in 2022, David has eliminated his insulin
and lost 45 pounds, while lowering his blood sugar below the
diabetes threshold. Most importantly, he no longer lives in
fear.
“After having a stroke and losing my sister to Type 2 diabetes,
I was scared,” said David. “But with Virta, I’ve taken control of
my health and can be excited for the future—it’s truly been
life-changing.”
Banner|Aetna currently offers Type 2 diabetes reversal to
eligible members of fully insured and Administrative Services Only
groups. The program to reverse prediabetes is also available to
self-insured groups.
About Banner|Aetna
Banner|Aetna is a health insurance company focusing on bettering
member outcomes at a lower cost, all while improving the overall
member experience for employers and consumers in Arizona. The
collaboration combines Banner Health’s high-quality, local
providers and delivery systems with Aetna’s health-plan experience,
care management and health information technology. Banner|Aetna is
the brand name used for products and services provided by Banner
Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and
Aetna Health Plan Inc. For more information about Banner|Aetna,
visit banneraetna.com.
About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health
care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner
also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University
Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with
one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer
Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance
division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers,
urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail
pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and
rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and
a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of
Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and
patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and
can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors.
Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in
California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more
information, visit bannerhealth.com.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is the leading health solutions company, delivering
care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the
health of communities across America through our local presence,
digital channels and approximately 300,000 dedicated colleagues
including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and
nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help
them with their health whether that's managing chronic diseases,
staying compliant with their medications, or accessing affordable
health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help
people navigate the health care system and their personal health
care by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted
partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all
with heart, each and every day. Learn more at
www.cvshealth.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240828233734/en/
Sarah McLeod Activate Health smcleod@activatehealth.com
480.352.1044
Lauren Cunningham Virta Health lauren.cunningham@virtahealth.com
831.331.3307