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Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aetna Marks 3 Years of Type 2 Diabetes Reversal through Virta Health, Thousands See Results
New data shows continued clinically significant outcomes, including improvements across blood sugar, medication reduction and weight loss PHOENIX, July 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, celebrates three years of investing in members by offering an evidence-based diabetes reversal initiative. In 2022, the insurer was an early adopter of Virta Health for diabetes reversal – the process of reducing blood glucose levels to below the threshold used to diagnose diabetes.1 Since then, the program enrollment has grown 290% and thousands of members have achieved sustainable health transformations while reducing their need for expensive weight loss medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic.2 The flexible app-based program uses a virtual model to address the root cause of metabolic disease through individualized nutrition plans that fit members' unique lifestyles, cultural background, dietary preferences, and budget. Thanks to the personalized approach and one-on-one expert support, participants are experiencing significant and lasting outcomes. Recent data shows that Banner|Aetna members saw meaningful metabolic health improvements after 365 days of program enrollment, including the following. Blood sugar reduction: On average, members saw a 0.97% reduction in A1C blood sugar levels.3 Every one-point decrease in A1C reduces the risk of long-term diabetes complications by up to 40%. Prescription reduction: Members eliminated 57% of diabetes medications (excluding metformin), including a 66% reduction in insulin dosages. Of those on insulin, 44% eliminated it completely.4 Clinically significant weight loss: 61% of members experienced clinically significant weight loss (5% or more); on average, members lost 8% of their body weight.5 Clinically significant weight loss can lead to better sleep, reduced inflammation, improved blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and positive impacts on arthritis and fatty liver disease. In addition to the diabetes reversal program demonstrating outstanding clinical results, Banner|Aetna's omnichannel outreach approach achieves 3x higher member engagement compared to industry averages.6 Through deep integration with Banner Health—one of Banner|Aetna's parent companies and Arizona's largest healthcare delivery system—the insurer leverages the Banner Health clinical and care management teams to refer eligible members into a diabetes management program. "The U.S. is facing a metabolic disease crisis. One in 10 people lives with diabetes, and most have type 2. One in three has prediabetes," explains Ed Clarke, MD, Banner|Aetna Medical Director and VP, CMO Banner Plans & Networks. "These conditions take a toll on the physical, emotional and financial health of millions of people in Arizona. That's why Banner|Aetna collaborated with Virta to offer members a holistic, non-pharmacological approach that puts disease reversal within reach. The feedback from members who have completed the program shows its dramatic impact on their lives. Not only do they gain a better understanding of disease management, but more importantly how they can take control health of their health." The results speak for themselves as members are achieving notable clinical outcomes helping them reclaim their lives, while also having a positive effect that ripples out to their families and the broader community. For Banner|Aetna member Shelby*, learning to use food as medicine has led to "amazing" changes in her life, including increased energy, better sleep, and weight loss. "I have learned how my body reacts to a wide array of foods and what I can eat to help it flourish," she explains. "I am very thankful for the support my coach provides every step of the way, and her encouragement that I am worth the hard work." Banner|Aetna currently offers type 2 diabetes reversal to eligible members of fully insured and Administrative Services Only groups. Additionally, Banner|Aetna self-funded employer groups can access Virta's prediabetes and obesity reversal offerings, which use the same innovative care model. About Banner|Aetna Banner|Aetna is a health insurance company focusing on bettering member outcomes at a lower cost, all while improving the overall member experience for employers and consumers in Arizona. The collaboration combines Banner Health's quality, local providers and delivery systems with Aetna's health-plan experience, care management and health information technology. Banner|Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. For more information about Banner|Aetna, visit About Banner Health Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world's leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner's array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, 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. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit About CVS Health CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had more than 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company's integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs. _____________________ 1 Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH et al. Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1 October 2021; 44 (10): 2438–2444. 2 Virta Health & Banner|Aetna Clinical Outcomes. March 31, 2025.3 Virta Health & Banner|Aetna Clinical Outcomes. February 27, 2025.4 Ibid.5 Ibid.6 Engagement data reported by Virta Health. January 2023-May 2025. * The member's uncompensated testimonial reflects the enrollee's experience with Virta Health. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Sarah McLeodActivate Healthsmcleod@ Virta Healthpress@
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why Rocket Lab (RKLB) Shares Keep Climbing to New Heights
July 31 - Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) has drawn renewed attention from investors Climing more than 6% on Wednesday after a remarkable run in the past year, with shares climbing nearly 835% as the company advances in the competitive space launch market. The company's progress has lifted its market value to roughly $23 billion, making it a rising player alongside SpaceX. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 1 Warning Sign with ITONF. Rocket Lab operates the Electron rocket, which focuses on delivering small payloads to orbit and has become the second?most frequently launched U.S. rocket. Its next step is the medium?lift, reusable Neutron rocket, aimed at larger government and commercial missions. The U.S. Space Force selected Rocket Lab under its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, while the U.S. Air Force awarded a contract for a rocket?based point?to?point transportation test using Neutron. Analysts estimate Rocket Lab's 2025 revenue at $576 million and see potential growth as the company executes its early contracts. Future revenue could benefit from expanded government work and private?sector launches. While the stock has risen quickly, Rocket Lab's ability to establish Neutron as a reliable vehicle will determine whether it can close more of the gap with SpaceX in the years ahead. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Vogue
24 minutes ago
- Vogue
11 Vitamin B12 Foods to Support Energy and Brain Health
One cannot have a well-balanced meal without incorporating vitamin B 12 foods into the mix. The water soluble vitamin, explains Samantha Dieras, RN, DCN, director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, plays a vital role in nerve function, blood cell formation, metabolism, DNA production, and many other functions that our bodies need to stay healthy. Vitamin B 12 foods are easy to add to any routine. Whether you're solely following a plant-based diet or welcome any animal and dairy product into your meals, you can find vitamin B 12 foods pretty much in any food group. And as an added bonus, these foods also come with other essential nutrients (think omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iron, and more) that our bodies need. So if you're looking to see if you're already on the right track or wanting to add more good sources of vitamin B 12 into your life, the best ones to add are: Clams If you love shellfish, registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker says that clams make for a great source of vitamin B 12 According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 3 oz. of clams contain about 17 mcg of the nutrient. It also contains iron, which she says makes it a great combo with B 12 for energy and red blood cell production. Beef, Chicken, and Other Animal Liver Manaker calls liver a nutrient powerhouse as it contains B 12 , iron, and vitamin A. According to the NIH, one serving of beef or chicken liver contains 70.7 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B 12 , which is almost 3000% daily value of the nutrient. Salmon Salmon is a favorite food amongst experts and our favorite celebs. Manaker says it's not only high in vitamin B 12 with 2.6 mcg of the nutrient, but it is also a main source of omega-3 fatty acids. This combo especially helps support brain function and heart health. Trout Manaker lists trout as another fish source that is rich in B 12 and omega-3s. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), one filet of trout has 4.6 mcg of the nutrient. Tuna Tuna is known as a great source of protein, but Manaker says you can also look to the fish for your B 12 needs. The NIH says that 3 ounces of tuna contains 2.5 mcg of the nutrient. Eggs Another great source of protein and B 12 , Manaker says eggs are one of the easiest foods to add to any meals. The NIH says one large egg contains 0.5 mcg of the nutrient. Dairy Milk Whole milk (please don't drink raw milk), is a nutrient powerhouse. It's most known as a great source of calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. But it also provides protein, vitamin D, and B 12 to hydrate, repair muscle, and boost our energy and metabolism. The NIH says that one cup of 2% milk contains 1.3 mcg of vitamin B 12 . Yogurt Another dairy product you can turn to for vitamin B 12 is yogurt. The NIH says that 6 oz. of plain, fat-free yogurt contains 1 mcg of the nutrient. Sardines Tinned fish are having a moment, and sardines especially make for a great source of vitamin B 12 . 'Tiny but mighty, they're rich in B 12 , calcium, and omega-3s,' says Manaker. According to the USDA, one tin of sardines contains 8.22 mcg of the nutrient. Lean Beef Lean beef provides you with many different nutrients, such as protein and iron. Manaker also lists it as a good source of vitamin B 12 to give you energy and boost red blood cell health. The NIH says that 3 oz. of lean beef contains 2.4 mcg of the nutrient. Nutritional Yeast Known for its cheese-like flavor, nutritional yeast is a vegan seasoning that is packed with nutrients. It's especially rich in vitamin B 12 , according to the NIH. A quarter of a cup can contain anywhere from 8.3 to 24 mcg of the nutrient. What does vitamin B 12 do for the body? As mentioned previously, the benefits of vitamin B 12 are many. Manaker says that it primarily helps convert the food you eat into energy for your body. But it also supports your nervous system, produces red blood cells, and DNA production while also reducing your risk for heart disease. And if you're feeling the need for an emotional boost, she says the nutrient can play a role in regulating your emotions and producing serotonin. How much vitamin B 12 should I take daily? Dieras says that the recommended amount of vitamin B 12 one should aim for can range from 2.4 to 2.8 mcg per day. For those who are pregnant, Manaker says it's best to stick to 2.6 mcg per day while those who are breastfeeding may increase it a bit to 2.8 mcg. Should I take vitamin B 12 supplements? Manaker says that eating whole foods in a well-balanced diet is the ideal way to get your daily vitamin B 12 intake. But if you're not getting enough from food or if you have absorption issues (a.k.a pernicious anemia), you might need to incorporate dietary supplements into your routine. she says you can turn to supplements in a pill form or as a shot if prescribed. Are there downsides to vitamin B 12 ? Both Dieras and Manaker say that vitamin B 12 is generally safe and that there are minimal downsides. 'B 12 supplements are generally safe because your body flushes what it doesn't need,' Manaker says. In high doses, it may cause headaches or nausea. Dieras says it might also interact with certain medications such as gastric acid inhibitors and metformin. As with any new supplement you're interested in taking, it's always best to consult with a doctor to make sure it's right for you. Have a beauty or wellness trend you're curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue's senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@
