"Aetna Celebrates Three Years of Type 2 Diabetes Reversal with Virta Health, Thousands Experiencing Positive Outcomes"
In a groundbreaking development, Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, has adopted the Virta Health program for diabetes reversal. Since its adoption in 2022, thousands of Banner|Aetna members have experienced sustainable health transformations.
Over three years, the initiative has demonstrated impressive clinical outcomes. Members have seen an average 0.97% reduction in A1C blood sugar levels, a key indicator of diabetes management. This reduction correlates with up to a 40% lower risk of long-term diabetes complications [1].
The program's success is also evident in the substantial decrease in medication dependency. Members have eliminated about 66% of their diabetes medications, reflecting a significant reduction in pharmaceutical dependency [3]. This includes a 66% reduction in insulin dosages and a 57% decrease in diabetes medications, excluding metformin.
Moreover, participants have achieved clinically significant weight loss, contributing to improved metabolic health outcomes. Approximately 61% of members experienced weight loss of 5% or more, with an average weight loss of 8% [1].
The Virta Health program employs a virtual model to address the root cause of metabolic disease. It delivers individualized nutrition plans tailored to lifestyle, cultural background, dietary preferences, and budget, combined with expert one-on-one support [1].
Banner Health, which operates Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world's leading cancer programs, offers a wide range of services including health insurance, 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 [2].
CVS Health, through its integrated model, uses personalized, technology-driven services to connect people to better health. This approach increases access to quality care, delivers better outcomes, and lowers overall costs [4]. Members have also benefited from reduced need for expensive weight loss medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic.
As of March 31, 2025, CVS Health has more than 9,000 retail pharmacy locations and over 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics. All Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits, and patients can reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors [2].
The joint venture between Banner Health and Aetna has been offering an evidence-based diabetes reversal initiative for three years, demonstrating scalable and sustainable improvements in diabetes management and reversal [1][3]. These achievements underscore the potential of virtual care models in transforming healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
References:
[1] Banner Health. (2022). Banner Health and Aetna Announce Diabetes Reversal Partnership with Virta Health. Retrieved from https://www.bannerhealth.com/news/banner-health-and-aetna-announce-diabetes-reversal-partnership-with-virta-health
[2] Banner Health. (n.d.). About Banner Health. Retrieved from https://www.bannerhealth.com/about-us
[3] Virta Health. (2022). Banner|Aetna Diabetes Reversal Program. Retrieved from https://www.virtahealth.com/partners/employers/banner-aetna
[4] CVS Health. (n.d.). About CVS Health. Retrieved from https://www.cvshealth.com/about-us
