Virta Health vs Level2: Which Diabetes Program Is Right for You?

Virta Health and Level2 are two of the most recognised virtual diabetes programs in the United States, but they work differently, cost differently, and are not available to the same people. This comparison covers both programs on the dimensions that matter at decision time: approach, evidence, cost, eligibility, devices and who each one fits.

Caution: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diabetes management plan or medications.

Quick Comparison: Virta vs Level2

What Is Virta Health?

Virta Health is a physician-supervised remote care program that uses a therapeutic carbohydrate restriction diet — typically a ketogenic approach — to lower blood sugar and reduce or eliminate diabetes medications. The program assigns each member a personal physician and health coach who monitor daily data remotely and adjust the care plan over time.

Virta defines its goal as diabetes “reversal”: bringing A1C below 6.5% while reducing medications to zero (or metformin alone, which is considered metabolically neutral in this context). It is available to adults with type 2 diabetes either directly as a consumer subscription or through an employer or health insurance benefit.

The program is also used for prediabetes and obesity management, though most published research focuses on type 2 diabetes.

What Is Level2?

Level2 is a diabetes specialty care program run under UnitedHealthcare. It is available to members enrolled in select UnitedHealthcare health plans — it is not available as a standalone direct-to-consumer subscription. A free 30-day interactive preview exists online, but the full program requires eligible UHC coverage.

The program’s central tool is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which members wear to see their glucose in real time. A virtual care team — including physicians, nurses, registered dietitians and coaches — reviews CGM data and works with members to improve glucose control through lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, medication adjustments.

Level2’s approach is based on American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. It is not a ketogenic program; it teaches members to identify their personal glucose response to foods and build habits around that insight.

Level2 defines its goal as ADA-defined remission: an A1C below 6.5% sustained for three months, with no diabetes-specific medications.

How Each Program Works

Virta Health: After enrolling, members receive a glucose meter, test strips and a Bluetooth-connected scale. Daily measurements upload to the Virta app, where a care team reviews the data. A physician supervises medication adjustments — particularly insulin tapering — as glucose improves. The dietary protocol is strict low-carb or ketogenic (typically under 30 g of net carbs per day). Members check in daily via the app and have scheduled video calls with their coach and physician.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors are not automatically discontinued. Virta’s clinical approach retains these medications when the patient has cardiovascular or kidney disease indications that go beyond glucose control — the program treats the whole person, not just the A1C number.

Level2: After enrolling through the Level2 Health app, members receive a CGM setup kit. The CGM transmits glucose readings throughout the day, giving members and their care team a continuous picture of glucose patterns. The Level2 Method — a phased program built on ADA guidance — uses these insights to identify which foods, activities and habits affect each person’s glucose. The care team guides members through building sustainable habits rather than prescribing a rigid diet plan.

Evidence: What the Research Shows

Virta: Virta has more peer-reviewed clinical evidence than any other digital diabetes program. A randomised controlled trial with 349 adults with type 2 diabetes — published in Diabetes Therapy in 2018 and followed for two years — showed:

• Average A1C reduced by 1.3 percentage points (from 7.5% to 6.2%) at one year
• 60% of patients who completed one year reached an A1C below 6.5% without diabetes medications other than metformin
• 94% of insulin users reduced or eliminated their insulin dose
• Average 12% weight loss at one year (roughly twice the FDA benchmark for approved weight-loss medications)
• 67% reduction in diabetes-specific prescriptions at two years

These results were achieved while reducing — not adding — medications, which is an important distinction. A Colorado pilot study also showed significant A1C reductions alongside greater weight loss and medication-burden reduction compared to usual care.

Level2: Level2’s published data is more limited and newer. A 2023 ADA Scientific Sessions poster (Bacon et al., 2023) reported outcomes from Level2 members:

• 95% of members with a starting A1C above 9.0% had a clinically significant improvement (more than 0.5 percentage points)
• 79% of members with a starting A1C above 7.0% had a clinically significant improvement
• Average GMI (glucose management indicator, an estimated A1C) improvement of 2.5 points among those starting above 9.0%

An earlier non-peer-reviewed pilot (2020) reported that 91% of members with starting A1C above 8.0% improved their A1C within 90 days, and 36% reduced their diabetes medications.

The practical difference: Virta’s evidence base is a published randomised controlled trial with two years of follow-up; Level2’s primary evidence is a conference poster from member data. Neither is a weakness in the sense of “not working” — it is a difference in how rigorously the evidence has been stress-tested.

Cost and Access

Virta Health:

• Direct-to-consumer: $249/month plus a one-time $250 initiation fee (as of the date this article was written — check virtahealth.com for current pricing, as fees change)
• Also available through employer benefits and some insurance plans, where cost to the member may be lower or zero
• No UnitedHealthcare requirement — any US adult with type 2 diabetes can enrol directly

Level2:

• Available only through select UnitedHealthcare health plans; enrolled members may have little or no additional cost under their existing plan
• Not available as a paid direct-to-consumer subscription
• A free 30-day trial (undoyourtype2 portal) gives access to CGM education and some program content, but does not replicate the full ongoing program

If you do not have a UnitedHealthcare plan, Level2 is not currently an option for the full program.

Devices and Monitoring

This is one of the clearest practical differences between the two programs.

Virta provides a traditional glucose meter with test strips and a connected body-weight scale. Members take fingerstick readings, usually multiple times per day, and enter glucose data manually into the Virta app. Virta was exploring CGM integration as of earlier reports; check the current enrollment materials for updates.

Level2 centres the program on a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The CGM is worn on the arm or abdomen and sends glucose readings to the app automatically — no fingersticks required for routine monitoring. Real-time glucose data gives both the member and the care team a more complete picture of daily patterns.

CGMs are generally considered more informative for identifying how specific meals and activities affect blood sugar. For someone who wants that data without paying separately for a CGM prescription, Level2 (through UHC coverage) can be a meaningful advantage.

When to See a Doctor Before Enrolling

Both programs involve supervised medication changes. You should speak with your treating physician before enrolling in either if you:

• Take insulin or sulfonylureas (rapid medication reduction can cause hypoglycaemia)
• Have kidney disease, heart failure or a history of cardiovascular events
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Have a history of eating disorders — very low-carb approaches require extra monitoring in this context

Both Virta and Level2 conduct clinical onboarding assessments, but your existing care team should be in the loop before you change medication routines.

Who Should Choose Virta?

Virta is likely the better fit if:

• You do not have a UnitedHealthcare plan and want a full program (not just a trial)
• You are willing to follow a strict low-carb or ketogenic eating pattern
• You want the strongest available clinical evidence behind your program choice
• You are on insulin and want physician-supervised tapering with close oversight
• Your employer offers Virta as a benefit (check HR; Virta is available through many US employers)

Who Should Choose Level2?

Level2 is likely the better fit if:

• You are already enrolled in a select UnitedHealthcare plan and want a covered benefit
• You want a CGM included without a separate prescription or out-of-pocket cost
• You prefer a flexible, ADA-based approach rather than a strict ketogenic protocol
• You want real-time glucose data to guide food and activity decisions

Verdict

Virta and Level2 are built for the same outcome — improved glucose control and reduced medications — but they reach it through different methods and are available to different people.

If access is the deciding factor: Virta is the only option for most people, because Level2 requires a UnitedHealthcare plan. If you have UHC coverage, Level2 is a strong, covered benefit worth taking before paying out of pocket for any other program.

If evidence is the deciding factor: Virta has the deeper peer-reviewed evidence base.

If flexibility is the deciding factor: Level2 does not require a ketogenic diet, which some people find unsustainable long term.

Neither program is a substitute for medical care. Both require physician involvement in medication decisions.

Also see: Virta Health Alternatives: Compare US Care and Support · Virta Health Reviews: What Patients Actually Say · Virta Health vs Twin Health: An Honest Comparison · Best Online Diabetes Reversal Programs in the US

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virta Health better than Level2? Neither is objectively better — they target the same outcome through different methods. Virta has stronger published research and is available to anyone; Level2 provides a CGM and is covered under select UnitedHealthcare plans. The right choice depends on your insurance, dietary preferences and monitoring priorities.

Can I join Level2 without UnitedHealthcare insurance? The full Level2 program is available only through select UnitedHealthcare health plans. A free 30-day interactive preview is available online, but it does not include the full ongoing program.

Does Virta Health use a CGM? As of the current program description, Virta provides a traditional glucose meter and test strips — not a CGM. The program has explored CGM integration; check the current enrollment materials for the latest device setup.

How much does Virta cost without insurance? The direct-to-consumer price is $249/month plus a one-time $250 initiation fee. Many employer benefit plans cover Virta at reduced or no cost to the member. Check Virta Health cost without insurance for a full breakdown.

Which program has better clinical evidence? Virta has published randomised controlled trial data followed for two years (Hallberg et al., Diabetes Therapy, 2018). Level2’s primary evidence is an observational study presented at the 2023 ADA Scientific Sessions. Virta’s evidence base is more robust by conventional clinical standards.