By David, on Virta for 4 months
Blurry vision was the first sign that pointed to type 2 diabetes. For almost 3 weeks in 2001, I experienced blurry vision that was so bad, there were times when I couldn’t see a thing. My eye doctor ended up sending me back to my primary care doctor. After doing some testing, we found out that my blood sugar levels were well over 500 mg/dL, and I was officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
I started to watch what I ate, and for almost 7 years, I was able to manage my diabetes on just metformin, which brought my blood sugar levels down to “acceptable” ranges. Then in 2007, my blood sugar levels skyrocketed up to over 300 mg/dL because of a new medication I had been taking. We tried different combinations of oral medications and even some injectables like Byetta, but nothing worked. I ended up having to go on insulin sometime in the middle of 2008.
I became so insulin resistant that I was injecting myself 6-8 times a day. I had no choice but to start using an insulin pump in March 2009. My pump cartridge was supposed to last 3 days, but I was going through so much insulin that it only lasted 24 hours. Because of that, I ended up having to go on a concentrated type of insulin (Humulin R U-500) that is 5 times stronger than the regular insulin most people use. As I got older, my health got worse, and I didn’t focus on taking care of myself. Both of my parents had also had type 2 diabetes, and their overall health suffered because of it as well. Over the last 12 years, I felt like I was headed down that same road as I continued to struggle with type 2 diabetes.
I became so insulin resistant that I was injecting myself 6-8 times a day. I had no choice but to start using an insulin pump in March 2009.
Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted to find a new, healthier path, but I didn’t know where to start! Then on July 13th, my employer, NOV, sent out an email announcement about Virta and how it was being made available to us for free. I didn’t apply immediately, but the email stayed on my mind for a while before I decided to take the leap. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I would see results, or if I would be able to stick to the nutritional changes I needed to make. But I figured I had nothing to lose! I officially started Virta on August 3rd.
Right before I started Virta, I had an A1c of 8.1%. Just after four months on Virta, my A1c is now 5.7%. That’s almost at normal levels! I haven’t seen an A1c that low in as long as I can remember. I’ve also lost 54 pounds, lowered my blood pressure, and my cholesterol is better than I can remember. But best of all, after 12 years, I was taken off my insulin pump and am now officially off of all insulin!
But best of all, after 12 years, I was taken off my insulin pump and am now officially off of all insulin!
I thought I would have a hard time giving up carbs, especially pasta and desserts, but I haven’t! The food I get to have on Virta tastes great, and eventually, my body seemed to have just adjusted so I no longer have the cravings for carbs and sweets. Now I crave new favorites, like asparagus! The Virta support system with my team of coaches and my provider has been great. There’s always a lot of encouragement and someone to answer my questions. My wife is also doing it with me, and we love seeing the recipe suggestions in the online patient community. I’ve gotten a ton of recommendations, like some delicious sugar-free sauces that I now use all the time!
With these incredible results, I am all in with Virta. Since I no longer need insulin or my insulin pump supplies, I'm also saving money for myself and my company. Between insurance and my out-of-pocket costs, I’m saving almost $2,000 a month! I also can’t deny the other benefits to my health. As a manufacturing engineer, I spend a lot of time on the plant floor. With the 54-pound weight loss, it’s now a lot easier to be on my feet all day. In addition to reversing my type 2 diabetes, my goal is to continue to lose weight, keep my cholesterol low, and improve my sleep apnea. I'm telling everyone that I can about Virta so my coworkers know just how Virta can help them too. It’s just too good of an opportunity to miss out on. I’m so very grateful to NOV for giving me this chance with Virta. It has changed my life!
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