Latest news with #bloodsugar
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- 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
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The 8 Best Pantry Staples for Better Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNKey Points A well-stocked pantry makes preparing nutritious, blood sugar–friendly meals easier. Dietitians suggest filling your pantry with foods rich in fiber, healthy fats and protein. Blood sugar–balancing nuts, oats, sorghum and canned fish and beans are top any dietitian and they'll tell you that the secret to creating nutritious, healthy meals is a well-stocked pantry. But when you're living with diabetes, filling your pantry with the right foods has an added advantage: better blood sugar management. Of course, there are lots of healthy pantry staples to choose from. To find the best ones, we asked dietitians to share their go-to pantry essentials for quick, delicious, blood sugar–friendly meals. Here are their top picks. 1. Chia Seeds If you love chia pudding, we have happy news for you. Those little seeds are great for managing your blood sugar. Just 1 ounce of chia seeds provides an impressive 10 grams of blood sugar–leveling fiber. What makes the fiber in chia seeds so special? When you toss chia seeds in, say, some chia pudding or overnight oats, their fiber soaks up the liquid from the recipe's almond or soy milk and forms a slick gel. 'Sticky chia seed gel glides through the digestive tract, helping to slow the release of blood sugar into the bloodstream,' says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES. 2. Canned Fish Canned fish aren't just budget-friendly and convenient. They're also a handy addition to blood sugar–balancing meals. Canned tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines are all good sources of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Research has found that these beneficial fats may improve blood sugar control and heart health and reduce inflammation. Since having diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease, keeping a few cans of fatty fish in your pantry is a double win for your health (the American Diabetes Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice weekly). If all that weren't enough, canned fish are also a convenient source of protein, another nutrient that helps balance blood sugar. 3. Almond Flour Just because you're living with diabetes doesn't mean you can't enjoy a slice of home-baked cake or a warm batch of muffins. If you love baking but don't love all the carbs that come along with it, give almond flour a try. This nutty flour can help cut carbs while pumping up blood sugar–stabilizing fiber and protein, says Megan Warnke, RDN, CDCES. Swap it in for all or part of the white or whole-wheat flour you'd usually use in muffins, pancakes, quiche crust or for breading chicken, she says. 4. Canned Legumes Canned legumes, like beans, chickpeas and lentils, are one of the few foods that give you a healthy dose of blood sugar–regulating protein and fiber. That may be why a systematic review study linked frequent legume consumption to lower fasting blood glucose and A1C in people with diabetes. Plus, legumes contain almost no saturated fat and are cholesterol-free, making them a boon for heart health, too. While all legumes are an excellent choice, Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, is particularly fond of lentils because they're so versatile. 'You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, including dips, soups, salads or wraps,' she says. 5. Cinnamon Don't overlook the spices in your pantry. They're filled with antioxidants, especially cinnamon. 'Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich, naturally sweet, yet sugarless pantry staple that may help lower blood sugar levels,' says Gaw. Some studies have even shown that cinnamon supplements may lower fasting blood glucose and A1C. However, it's important to note that the amount of cinnamon used in these studies is far more than you'd typically eat. So, think of the cinnamon you add to your food as a little bonus. 6. Nuts Stocking your pantry with a variety of unsalted nuts means you'll always have healthy, low-carb snacks within reach. Just one small handful of nuts provides everything from plant-based protein and fiber to heart-friendly fats, plus a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. All of these work together to support healthier blood glucose. Nuts are so beneficial for blood sugar management that research has found that people who regularly eat nuts may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. One reason may be their duo of fiber and protein, which slows down glucose absorption, promoting more stable blood sugar levels. In addition, nuts' healthy fats may also keep your heart health in check. While all nuts can be helpful, the research on walnuts and diabetes is particularly encouraging. For example, one study found that walnut eaters tended to have lower fasting glucose, triglycerides and blood pressure. 7. Oats Whole grains are rich in fiber, which slows carbohydrate digestion and absorption. However, if you want a whole grain that's been shown to help manage blood sugar and keep your heart healthy, oats check both boxes. Oats are rich in a unique fiber called beta-glucan that helps whisk cholesterol out of your body. In addition to protecting against heart disease and stroke, research has shown a link between frequent oat consumption and lower odds of developing type 2 diabetes. 8. Sorghum Looking to expand your whole-grain rotation? Give sorghum a try. 'Sorghum is a natural source of fiber, a key nutrient that research shows can contribute to a healthy body weight and weight management,' says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LDN. That's not all. Sorghum is higher in slowly digested resistant starch than other whole grains, so it's less likely to spike your blood sugar. It's also gluten-free, which can be a big bonus for people living with both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease (these conditions often travel together). So, give sorghum a try! While you can always enjoy it as a side dish on its own, Manaker also recommends popping it, like popcorn, for a crunchy, satisfying snack or experimenting with ground sorghum flour in baked goods. Tips to Select Diabetes-Friendly Pantry Staples When you're food shopping, these dietitian-approved tips can help you choose even more pantry staples to help manage blood sugar. Keep Fiber in Mind: Fiber is your friend for keeping blood glucose on an even keel. 'Always take a peek at the fiber content on your nutrition labels,' says Warnke. Whether that's cereal, flour, rice, bread or pasta, comparing labels and brands can help you make the best choice. Beware of Added Sugars: You probably already know that soda, sweet tea, cookies and candy are loaded with added sugars. Added sugars can also hang out in less-obvious foods, like cereal, bread and pasta sauce. While you're scanning the nutrition label for fiber, check out added sugars. Choose Heart-Healthy Fats: Most of us eat too much saturated fat, yet not enough heart-healthy unsaturated fats. You can balance out the saturated fat in your meals by choosing foods rich in unsaturated fats, like nuts, seeds and olive oil, more often, says Gaw. Don't Overlook Canned Produce: Canned fruits and veggies can be packed with nutrition. Since they're pre-prepped, there's no peeling, slicing or dicing, so they're also huge time-savers. You just need to be a little savvy when choosing which ones to buy. 'Canned fruits and veggies are the most diabetes-friendly when they are packed in juice instead of syrup or contain no added salt,' says Gaw. Our Expert Take Creating blood sugar–friendly meals doesn't have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. The key to making nutritious meals come together quickly and easily is stocking your pantry with the right staples. For better blood sugar, dietitians recommend reaching for nuts, chia seeds, oats, sorghum, almond flour, cinnamon and canned fish and legumes. They're convenient, tasty and rich in blood sugar–stabilizing fiber, protein and healthy fats. So, add them to your shopping list today. Next time dinner rolls around, you'll be so glad you did! Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Benefits of Walking After Meals, According to Health Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, RD, CPTKey Points Walking after a meal can reduce blood sugar, improve digestion and boost mood. Just 15 to 30 minutes of walking after meals has been shown to be effective. Pair walks with activities you enjoy, like listening to podcasts or walking your tempting as it is to sink into your couch after your last bite, going for a walk instead can do your body a lot of good. Walking after meals offers several science-backed benefits—from lowering blood sugar to kick-starting digestion. Ahead, health experts share the top reasons why a post-meal walk could be a simple yet powerful habit to add to your daily routine. 1. Lowers Blood Sugar While you might not see this benefit directly—unless you wear a continuous glucose monitor or regularly check your blood sugar—walking after a meal can keep your blood sugar levels in check. 'A quick post-meal walk can help prevent your blood sugar from spiking,' says Chrissy Carroll, RD, CPT, a dietitian and certified personal trainer. She points to research showing that exercising after a meal improves glycemic response and reduces post-meal blood sugar levels in people with and without diabetes. Another study in healthy adults who walked for 30 minutes after eating found similar results. 'A moderate-intensity walk of as little as 20 minutes performed after a meal can lessen the glycemic response and decrease glucose,' adds Melissa A. Hatton, M.S., CPT, CES, PES, CNC, a certified personal trainer and instructor. Interestingly, the benefits were greatest with walking post-meal, compared to before meals. 'For best results, start your walk as soon as possible after you finish eating—that has a bigger benefit compared to waiting an hour,' says Carroll. 2. Gets Your Digestive System Moving If you're someone who often feels bloated after a meal, taking a post-meal walk may be your answer. 'Walking can help stimulate the digestive system, potentially reducing common concerns like bloating and constipation. Research found that a short 10– to 15-minute walk after a meal was linked to improved gastrointestinal comfort—including less bloating, gas and abdominal pain,' says Carroll. 3. Increases Circulation Moving your body helps to improve circulation by getting your blood flowing. Kunal Lal, M.D., a cardiologist, explains, 'Anytime we exercise, including walking, our blood flow typically redirects predominantly to our extremities and skeletal muscles for optimal perfusion.' Perfusion, which is the body's process of delivering oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream to your tissues and organs, helps them function properly and stay healthy. "Ultimately, this enhances circulation in the body,' he says. 4. Lowers Blood Pressure Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension (high blood pressure), a risk factor for heart disease that's controllable through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Fortunately, walking is an effective way to reduce blood pressure. For example, a study in people with hypertension found significant reductions after one year of habitual walking. Even those with resistant hypertension—meaning their condition does not respond well to typical medical treatments—also saw improvements. 'A brisk walk for at least 30 minutes for five days a week has been clinically proven to reduce weight, which in turn can significantly improve blood pressure by at least 8 to 10 pressure points,' says Lal. 5. Supports Weight Loss Walking after meals is a low-impact, sustainable form of exercise that can support weight loss and weight maintenance goals. 'To lose weight, you must be in a caloric deficit. Adding a walk to your daily routine can help accomplish this goal,' says Hatton. In fact, research shows that even small amounts of aerobic activity—just 30 minutes a week—can lead to modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference and body fat among adults with overweight or obesity. However, working your way up to the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week has been linked to more significant reductions. 6. Boosts Mood Ever notice your mood lift after breaking a sweat? There's real science behind it. Exercise boosts levels of serotonin and dopamine, and triggers the release of endorphins—all of which helps to elevate your mood and promote positive emotions. 'Any exercise—walking included—can help boost mood and reduce stress,' says Carroll. 'Creating a habit surrounding meals will allow you to get more happiness-boosting physical activity into your day,' she adds. If a long walk isn't feasible, try breaking it up into a few 15-minute walks throughout the day. A great way to build new habits is habit stacking—pairing a new habit with something you already do. For example, if you usually do the dishes after dinner, try adding a quick walk right before or afterward. It could be a quick stroll around the neighborhood, a few laps in your living room or even walking up and down the stairs. Tips for Making Walking After Meals a Habit The good news is you don't have to walk for miles to reap the health perks; even just a few minutes after a meal can help. When it comes to building a habit, Hatton reminds us, 'It takes time to create a new habit. It takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit but can take as long as 254 days! It's very individual.' Here are some tips to help you get started: Plan Your Walks in Advance. At the beginning of each week, take a few minutes to think about when you can most easily fit in your walks. Choose a block of time when you're less likely to be distracted or interrupted. For example, if walking after lunch doesn't work because of a busy workday, consider making it part of your after-dinner routine instead. Treat Walking Time Like an Appointment. 'Amidst a busy schedule, it's important to carve out at least 30 minutes a day to walk around the block or even on a treadmill, if accessible; doing even this amount has tremendous positive health benefits,' says Lal. Follow a Structured Plan. If you're unsure where to start, following a premade walking plan—or creating your own—can help you build momentum. Pair Walking with an Activity You Enjoy. Try pairing walking with an activity you enjoy. You could chat with a friend, listen to a podcast or take your dog out for some extra steps, suggests Carroll. Our Expert Take Walking after meals—even just a few minutes—can offer a wide range of health benefits. It can help lower blood sugar, stimulate digestion, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, support weight loss and lift your mood. Planning your walks in advance and pairing them with an activity you enjoy can make the habit stick. So before you wind down for the night, get some steps in to support your health. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Dairy Product for Better Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD If you're looking to manage your blood sugar, what you put on your plate truly matters. Stabilizing blood sugar levels isn't just about avoiding energy spikes or crashes; it's at the heart of supporting your long-term health, mood and even concentration throughout the day. The decisions you make in the kitchen can have a real impact on your body's ability to keep your blood sugar in check. Generally, dairy is a great addition to a diet focused on supporting healthy blood sugars. But with so many options in the dairy aisle, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Is milk the best bet? Should you go for cheese? Or is there a clear standout? To settle the debate, we reached out to leading dietitians for their expert advice. Their answer was clear: yogurt is the #1 dairy product they recommend for better blood sugar. Curious why yogurt gets their vote? Read on to discover what makes it their top pick. Why We Love Yogurt for Better Blood Sugar Packed with Gut-Healthy Probiotics Yogurt is one of the best dietary sources of probiotics, which are live, beneficial bacteria that support gut health. But what does gut health have to do with blood sugar? A lot, as it turns out. Research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome may help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Probiotics (like those found in yogurt) can promote a diverse and balanced gut microbiota, which plays a role in how your body processes and absorbs nutrients. Look for labels that mention "live and active cultures" to ensure you're getting a good dose of these beneficial bacteria in every serving. Toby Amidor, M.S., RD, CDN, FAND, notes that "consistent, beneficial associations were observed between fermented dairy foods and reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, CVD and improved weight maintenance, bone and gut health." Rich in Protein for Better Satiety Protein is a macronutrient that plays a role in blood sugar control. It slows the digestion of carbohydrates, resulting in a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. Data has shown that high-protein diets can be beneficial for managing blood sugar. Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is an excellent source of high-quality protein. For example, a single serving of plain Greek yogurt can contain anywhere from 15 to 20 grams of protein. "Yogurt is great for blood sugar because it covers all the bases of helping prevent blood sugar spikes," shares Amanda Sauceda, M.S., RD. She highlights that yogurt is not only a great source of protein, but also "pairs well with fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables." This means that combinations like breakfast yogurt parfaits and savory yogurt-based dips are both tasty and beneficial for steady blood sugar. A Versatile Base for Balanced Meals Yogurt's versatility makes it easy to incorporate into a blood sugar–friendly diet. Whether you're adding it to smoothies, using it as a base for savory dips or topping it with fresh berries and nuts, yogurt can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Adding fruit with a low glycemic index (like berries or apples) along with healthy fats like chia seeds or nut butter can turn a plain bowl of yogurt into a balanced meal or snack. This combination of carbs, protein and healthy fats is ideal for keeping blood sugar levels steady. Helps Regulate Appetite One challenge in managing blood sugar is avoiding high-added-sugar snacks that may cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. Thanks to yogurt's high protein content and ability to promote satiety, this food may help curb your desire for a midday or late-night sweet bite. Amidor cites research showing that eating yogurt was linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. She adds that, in one study, "eating just 80 grams of yogurt every day was linked with a 14% lower risk for type 2 diabetes." When it comes to the yogurt you choose, there are some tips to consider for better blood sugar management. "Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt without added sugar and feel free to top your yogurt with berries and walnuts, for a boost of natural sweetness, fiber and healthy fat," advised Lisa Young, Ph.D., RD. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or splash of vanilla to make the base even more flavorful. Other Tips for Healthy Blood Sugar While yogurt is an excellent addition to your diet, it's not the only strategy for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Consider these additional tips to support your overall health: Eat balanced meals: Combine complex carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats at every meal to slow glucose absorption and prevent blood sugar spikes. Choose whole grains: Opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice or oats instead of refined grains to provide lasting energy and stabilize blood sugar. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports healthy kidney function, which helps flush excess sugar from your bloodstream. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to transport glucose into cells for energy. Manage stress: Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which may interfere with blood sugar regulation. Practices like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and balance your hormones. Our Expert Take Yogurt stands out as the #1 dairy product for better blood sugar management, thanks to its low glycemic index, gut-healthy probiotics, high protein content and abundant calcium and vitamin D. In fact, the science supporting yogurt's benefits is stronger than ever. In March 2024, the FDA announced a new qualified health claim recognizing the association between yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. This claim is based on an extensive review of research, highlighting yogurt's unique role in supporting better blood sugar outcomes. That said, it's important to remember that no single food, no matter how healthy, is a magic bullet. Blood sugar management requires a holistic approach, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management. When choosing yogurt, opt for a variety with no added sugar and pair it with whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts for the best results. Together, these choices can set you on the path to improved health and well-being. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Continuous glucose monitors are in vogue. But do you really need to track your blood sugar?
A quarter-size device that tracks the rise and fall of sugar in your blood is the latest source of hope — and hype — in the growing buzz around wearable health technology. Continuous glucose monitors, small patches that provide 24-hour insight into concentrations of sugar in the blood, could be a tool for Americans to 'take control over their own health,' Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently told federal lawmakers.
