Virta Health is a digital health company focused on the reversal of chronic metabolic conditions, with a primary emphasis on type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. Unlike traditional treatment methods that rely heavily on medications, Virta offers a clinically supervised nutrition-based therapy that helps patients achieve glycemic control and often eliminate the need for diabetes medications, including insulin.
Founded on evidence-based clinical research, Virta Health provides a comprehensive remote care model that combines personalized nutrition, health coaching, biometric tracking, and continuous clinician supervision. Its mission is to reverse type 2 diabetes in 100 million people by providing an alternative to lifelong medication dependency.
Virta’s program has been validated in peer-reviewed clinical trials and is covered by many employers, health plans, and government programs as a cost-effective solution for managing and reversing metabolic disease.
Features
Virta Health’s program consists of several integrated components designed to support sustainable health transformation:
Physician-Supervised Treatment ensures that each patient is monitored by a licensed medical provider who adjusts medications as needed during the reversal process. This is especially important for patients on insulin or multiple diabetes medications.
Personalized Nutrition Plan is centered on carbohydrate restriction to promote nutritional ketosis, a state where the body uses fat for energy instead of glucose. This shift helps regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance.
Health Coaching provides ongoing motivation, accountability, and lifestyle guidance. Patients have daily access to a dedicated health coach through the Virta app.
Biometric Feedback and Monitoring allows patients to track key health metrics like blood glucose, ketone levels, and weight. These data points are shared in real time with the care team for personalized support.
Mobile App and Digital Tools give patients access to resources, educational content, messaging with coaches, and visual progress tracking—all from a smartphone or tablet.
Community Support through group discussions and shared experiences helps foster a sense of connection and encouragement among members on the same journey.
How It Works
Virta’s program begins with an online application process where patients are evaluated for eligibility. Once enrolled, they complete a virtual onboarding process that includes lab tests, medical history review, and goal setting.
Patients are then assigned a care team, including a physician and a health coach. They receive a starter kit with testing supplies, including a blood glucose meter, ketone strips, and educational materials. The patient begins the program by adopting a low-carbohydrate, high-fat nutritional approach.
Each day, patients log their biometrics through the Virta app. The health coach monitors the data and provides encouragement, practical advice, and guidance on sticking to the nutritional plan. The physician oversees medication adjustments, often tapering or eliminating diabetes medications as glucose levels improve.
The program is entirely remote, allowing patients to participate from anywhere, with 24/7 access to the care team through the app. Progress is tracked continuously, and patients receive feedback and recommendations in real time.
Virta’s clinical team uses AI and real-time data to identify potential issues early, such as medication side effects, nutritional imbalances, or loss of adherence, enabling proactive care.
Use Cases
Virta Health is primarily used by adults with type 2 diabetes, including those recently diagnosed and those who have lived with the condition for years. Many participants come to Virta after years of traditional treatment without achieving optimal results.
Patients with prediabetes use the program to prevent progression to full-blown diabetes through nutritional therapy and lifestyle change.
Individuals with obesity or metabolic syndrome join Virta to lose weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reverse related conditions such as high blood pressure and high triglycerides.
Health plans and employers use Virta as a value-based care solution to reduce costs associated with diabetes management, complications, and medication expenses. The company offers population health management tools for payers and providers.
Patients seeking an alternative to bariatric surgery may also use Virta to achieve sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health without invasive procedures.
Pricing
Virta Health is offered as a covered benefit through many employers, health plans, and government programs, meaning eligible patients can access the program at little or no cost.
For individuals not covered through insurance or employer benefits, Virta’s pricing is typically subscription-based. While exact pricing is not publicly listed, out-of-pocket plans may include monthly fees covering medical supervision, coaching, supplies, and app access.
Virta encourages prospective patients to check eligibility on its website using a ZIP code and insurance information. The company also offers free consultations and assessments to determine fit and potential cost.
Strengths
One of Virta Health’s key strengths is its evidence-based approach. The program has been validated in clinical studies showing that a majority of patients can reduce or eliminate insulin and other medications while achieving significant HbA1c reductions and weight loss.
Its fully remote model makes the program accessible nationwide without requiring in-person visits. This is particularly valuable for rural or underserved populations.
Virta’s combination of personalized nutrition, real-time biometrics, and human coaching creates a holistic and accountable care model that improves engagement and outcomes.
The platform’s integration with employer and health plan systems allows for scalable deployment in corporate wellness and population health programs. Employers benefit from reduced medical costs and improved employee productivity.
The mobile-first user experience and real-time support help patients build lasting habits, making it more than a diet—it’s a comprehensive medical treatment plan.
Drawbacks
One limitation is that Virta’s program is primarily targeted at type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. Individuals with type 1 diabetes or other chronic conditions may not be eligible.
Some users may find it difficult to adapt to the low-carb, high-fat diet, especially during the early stages. Adherence can vary, and not all users will achieve medication-free status.
While many patients report significant results, weight loss and reversal outcomes can vary, and ongoing commitment is necessary to maintain improvements.
The cost for uninsured individuals may be a barrier, as the program involves a subscription model and regular supply usage, although value is high compared to ongoing medication costs.
Lastly, individuals seeking in-person medical care may prefer traditional clinics, as Virta is 100% virtual.
Comparison with Other Tools
Virta Health is often compared to platforms like Omada Health, Noom, and Livongo. While Omada and Noom focus on lifestyle and weight management, Virta is more clinically focused on diabetes reversal, not just management.
Livongo, now part of Teladoc Health, offers diabetes monitoring and coaching but does not claim disease reversal. Its model centers on medication management and coaching, whereas Virta’s goal is medication reduction or elimination through metabolic change.
Virta’s distinct advantage is its clinical oversight and published outcomes, including peer-reviewed evidence of reversal in a majority of patients. This differentiates it as a medical treatment rather than a lifestyle app.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Virta Health features numerous success stories from patients who have reversed their type 2 diabetes, lost weight, and eliminated medications. Testimonials often highlight the life-changing impact of the program, improved energy, and renewed confidence in managing health.
Patients describe Virta as supportive, easy to follow, and empowering. Many report significant HbA1c reductions, weight loss of over 30 pounds, and elimination of long-term insulin dependency within months.
Clinicians partnering with Virta cite improved patient engagement, fewer diabetes complications, and better overall health outcomes. Employers and health plans report reduced healthcare costs and improved member satisfaction.
Virta has received recognition from Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, and Fast Company for its innovation in digital health and chronic care management.
Conclusion
Virta Health offers a revolutionary approach to managing and reversing type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. By focusing on nutrition therapy, remote monitoring, and continuous care, Virta empowers patients to reduce medications, improve health outcomes, and regain control of their lives—all from the convenience of their homes.
Its clinically proven results, tech-enabled platform, and holistic support model make it one of the most effective digital health solutions in the metabolic disease space. For individuals, employers, and healthcare providers seeking an alternative to traditional diabetes management, Virta delivers measurable outcomes and long-term value.
