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Indiana leading the way to reverse type 2 diabetes

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INDIANAPOLIS -- A clinical trial by Virta Health and IU-West Lafayette has found a way to reverse type 2 diabetes.

Patient Pat Bayley had been on insulin since 2013, but that recently changed.

"I can tell you I’ve been insulin free for 90 days now." Bayley said. “My weight was originally 238 and now is 203."

Virta Health’s Dr. Sarah Hallberg says there are different ways you can reverse diabetes like bariatric surgery and low caloric diets but this system uses something else.

"The nutritional plan that we use is nutritional ketosis," Hallberg said.

A major thing about this method is that Doctor Hallberg says patients do not count calories.

"We are switching our bodies metabolism from carbohydrates for energy and switching it to fats for our primary energy source," Hallberg said.

The clinical trial shows 60 percent of patients reversed their type 2 diabetes in one year.

Almost 4 months into the process, Bayley is pleased with his results.

"I feel great, I don't have any aches or pains,” said Bayley. “It's just amazing how bad I felt before.”

Through a phone application, coaches and physicians watch a patient’s levels and adjust the plan based on the data. Patients can also share ideas & stories with others in the program which Bayley says is his favorite part.

"It really is a support group that I've never had before," said Bayley.

Dr. Hallberg says this can help a patient out financially, Virta saves nearly $10,000 per patient for the first two years.

"A big part is the medications they're no longer taking, it's a huge cost savings," said Dr. Hallberg.

Bayley says this is more than just a diet but a lifestyle, and plans to continue this system.

"I think the lifestyle for me is something I’m committed to do for the rest of my life because I don't want to go back," said Bayley.

This trial has been underway for two years between Virta and IU, and will go on for another three years.

Tippecanoe County, Purdue University and the City of Lafayette have partnered with Virta Health to provide coverage for eligible employees and their families.

You can find more information here

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