Providence Health Plan teams with Virta Health on Type 2 diabetes reversal

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Nonprofit insurer Providence Health Plan has teamed with Type 2 diabetes reversal company Virta Health and is already touting some of the successes of the collaboration, with clinical trial results showing 94% of participating patients who use insulin decreasing or eliminating their dosage after just a year.

The collaboration is meant to bring Virta's approach to diabetes care to a growing list of Providence Health Plan's self-insured employer customers and their employees. Self-insured employer customers, such as the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), purchase healthcare benefits, including Virta, for their employees.

Virta's Type 2 diabetes treatment helps people reverse their condition by achieving normal blood sugar without medications. Further results from the clinical trial showed 63% of all diabetes prescriptions are eliminated at one year – and this improved to 67% at year two – and patients have seen a sustained 12% weight loss.

Virta purports to reverse Type 2 diabetes through innovations in technology, nutrition science and continuous remote care from physicians and behavioral experts.

"We are encouraged by these early results and eager to see more members realize the benefits of Virta," Providence Health Plan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Gluckman said.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Providence shared case studies to highlight the potential benefits of the collaboration.

One such case study is from PHP member Kyle Chapman, who received a surprise Type 2 diabetes diagnosis at age 25. In the decade that followed, Chapman, a university professor, struggled to control his blood sugar and weight, despite trying a variety of medications. By February 2022, his blood sugar (A1c) had skyrocketed to 9.1% – the normal ranges fall below 5.7%, while 6.5 % or more indicates diabetes – and his doctor said insulin was a likely next step.

Looking for an option outside of more medications, Chapman joined Virta in March. Since then, according to Providence, he has dramatically reduced his blood sugar levels, lost more than 30 pounds and reduced inflammation. He no longer suffers from daily skin and stomach issues.

Meanwhile, Deanna Moretz, a pharmacist for Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, has seen similar results. Since starting Virta, Deanna has lowered her blood sugar from 8.7% to 6.5%, while having her insulin prescription reduced by 50%, PHP said. She's also lost more than 30 pounds, eliminated chronic knee pain, and now has more energy to go on daily walks for exercise.

Providence and Virta said their approach also reduces costs for payers – $425 per patient per month ($10,000 over the first two years) according to a recent analysis. Alongside health improvement for members, the companies said these cost savings are key as PHP expands its Administrative Services Only (ASO) business to additional large employers across the Western U.S. 

Providence's self-insured employer customers can sign up for Virta by connecting with their benefits manager.

THE LARGER TREND

PHP is the second insurer to team with Virta this year, with Banner/Aetna, a joint venture owned by Banner Health and Aetna/CVS, partnering with Virta on its Type 2 diabetes reversal program in February.

With 133% year-over-year growth with large insurer customers, Virta now works with 20-plus national and regional plans.

A June Health Affairs report found that existing diabetes quality metrics do not currently help patients improve their health, and diabetes quality measurement must be improved through the adoption of new measures and modernization.

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com