Banner|Aetna members eliminate medications and see significant, sustained weight loss on its Type 2 diabetes reversal program through Virta Health

In one year, members eliminated 66% of diabetes medications through the personalized, nutrition-first approach

Phoenix, AZ (August 28, 2024): 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.

Media Contact:
Sarah McLeod
Activate Health
smcleod@activatehealth.com
480.352.1044

Lauren Cunningham
Virta Health
lauren.cunningham@virtahealth.com
831.331.3307