Veterans with type 2 diabetes are being offered care for up to one year at no cost, including continuous remote monitoring from medical providers and health coaches.
Under a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Virta Health, a licensed provider in all 50 states, 400 veterans will have the opportunity to remotely receive personalized nutrition, peer support and coaching—an approach currently not in widespread use at VA to achieve glycemic control and reduce the use of medications.
“Unlike traditional healthcare, where patients only check in with their provider a couple of times a year, our team of board-certified providers provide around-the-clock monitoring and care,” according to Virta Health. “This allows us to safely adjust your medications and care plan in real time.”
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Virta’s type 2 diabetes reversal treatment includes proprietary, individualized, low-carbohydrate nutrition protocols, a bodyweight scale that automatically uploads data to an app, a blood pressure cuff for some patients, as well as a meter with glucose and ketone strips, lancets and swabs. The app collects biomarker data—such as blood glucose, blood ketones, weight and blood pressure—to help the care team adjust the treatment around a patient’s individual biochemistry.
“Partnering with community providers facilitates a more comprehensive approach to care,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in a written statement. “Many Veterans have type 2 diabetes, and it is strongly linked to obesity, so we are excited to explore Virta Health’s approach to tackling this debilitating and costly condition.”
According to the VA, it provides medical care, education, counseling, weight loss programs and blood glucose monitoring for more than 1.5 million veterans with type 2 diabetes. However, the partnership with Virta Health will offer only a small group of veterans—400—access to Virta’s continuous remote care platform.
To be eligible, veterans must be between the ages of 18 and 69, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, enrolled in a health plan through the Veterans Health Administration and prescribed at least one anti-diabetic medication other than metformin.
Veterans interested in applying to the program can do so here.