By Candy P., a Virta patient
I was diagnosed with prediabetes in 2017, and the diagnosis really scared me. My brother is diabetic and I know what he goes through on a daily basis, and I remembered seeing my grandmother give herself shots. I didn't want to go through all of that. The diagnosis made me frustrated in myself, and I blamed myself for my disease. My husband Brad and I had tried a lot of different diets and signed up for a gym membership, but we were never able to stick with a lifestyle change.
Shortly after I was diagnosed, I received an email from my employer, Purdue University, saying that they were covering a diabetes treatment called Virta. I told Brad, and we decided we would do this together.
Brad didn’t even know he was prediabetic until he got tested to see if he qualified for the treatment, too. When Brad was diagnosed, he said he wanted to be a healthier person, especially since we’re getting older. He didn’t want to be a burden for our children.
My blood sugar is down. I have lost 55 pounds and Brad has lost 60, but it’s not about losing weight. For me, it’s about getting off all medication and feeling good. It’s about being able to walk up stairs, fit in airplane seats comfortably, and have my grandkids on my lap. I love working in the yard and being able to get up and kneel down easily makes it so much more fun. I feel so young again.
For Brad, it’s about a healthier lifestyle, and the weight loss is just a benefit of that. He has more energy and stamina. He used to have more difficulties with mobility, but now he can walk faster and doesn’t tire as easily.
Brad and I talk about Virta a lot together. This is a journey we both have chosen together and we have not regretted it at all. We love the new us. Every day, we see our lives changing for the better.
The most valuable thing about this treatment is that we’re held accountable. I love that my coach keeps an eye on my numbers. I like that if I have a question I can ask my coach for the answer. I can look in the app to see my accomplishments over time and my status.
I'm much happier and healthier in the last six months than I have been in the last 20 years. I love this new journey my husband and I are on with Virta. It is something we will never change. I know we will live longer and be able to enjoy our lives together as a happier and healthier couple, thanks to Virta and Purdue.
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