Newsletter: August Abundance
August Abundance truly lived up to its name at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation!
Our school awareness program reached 1,463 students and 104 staff across 5 schools in Pune and Satara. The Retinal Health in Diabetes series expanded to Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, uniting patients, doctors and policymakers. In Pune, we launched in-person peer counselling at our Community Centre, and on the tech front, the Blue Circle app added a smart new feature, “Can I eat now?”. A month of abundance in awareness, advocacy, and action. Our work and impact were featured in Indian Express & regional newspapers in Maharashtra & Telangana.
In-Person Peer Counselling in Pune!
We’re bringing the Buddy Project Helpline offline in Pune!
Now you can meet experienced peer counsellors from the Blue Circle community face-to-face for 1:1 conversations, guidance, and support — whether you live with any type of diabetes or care for someone who does.
Choose your buddy in the Blue Circle Diabetes App — read their bio, check their availability, and book your slot in just a few taps! Available only at our Pune Community Centre, see the location on Google Maps.
Peer-to-peer support for people living with diabetes & their families. Download the Blue Circle Diabetes app & book your appointment today!
In person counselling announcement!
CGM updates
We promised to share an update on the Libre Pro (the cheaper CGM/FGM option, about half the price of Libre 1)- here it is -
Quick background- we have been hearing the Pro would shut down since several years now, however since no stock was made available post the Feb ‘25 expiry lot, we knew the stoppage news could be real this time. Swinging into action, we created a survey to gauge your thoughts about the situation and the increasing prices. It was filled by hundreds of our supporters and community members and 99.2% of you said you are not comfortable with the price rise at ALL.
If you would still like to share your opinion on why diabetes care should be affordable for everyone, please participate in the survey & share via this link - https://forms.gle/xyrcnXT5TE2ZE7Tw6
We formally presented these findings to the leadership at Abbott and made 2 requests - 1) don’t stop Pro, 2) Reduce sensor prices
We did not receive an explanation about the stoppage other than the Abbott leadership wants to talk to us. So we talked a few days ago hoping for a meaningful dialogue & and an understanding of the crushing out of pocket costs incurred by those living with diabetes & their families in India. Certainly it is possible to have an affordable CGM that makes business sense too, we alluded to the company.
Sadly our requests fell on deaf ears. Apparently the relatively affordable Libre Pro sensor is well on its way to being pulled out of the market for good
The company made a feeble attempt at saying they would think of some schemes for the community but upon asking for further clarification, none was made at that point in time. We will keep you posted if & when we hear any updates.
What happens next?
Hard times call for hard measures- since many of you have been asking, yes, sensors can continue to be used beyond expiry, despite it not being recommended with no chance of exchange in case of issues.
There are also a few new CGMs in the market now & we are exploring which ones can potentially match or better the pricing of the Pro sensors. Stay tuned to this space for updates.
CGM/FGM options after the Libre Pro 💡
Since the relatively affordable Abbott Libre Pro has been discontinued, here are alternative CGM options shared by Snehal in the video below, in order of lowest to highest prices-
1. Linx CGM - MRP Rs 4500 (lasts 15 days) - don't miss our review blog! Also see the video review in Hindi & English.
2. Tracky CGM - MRP Rs 3899 (lasts 14 days) - don't miss our review blog! Also see the video review & the application video.
3. iCan by Sinocare CGM - MRP Rs 5500 (lasts 15 days) - review coming soon!
Please note, Libre 1 is a Flash Glucose Monitor, whereas all others are CGMs Continuous Glucose Monitors.
Want a deep dive into diabetes technology? Read our diabetes tech blogs here and see our playlist here.
📣 In the News
People with diabetes in India are upset with the discontinuation of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor that has been the “most affordable” option in the country. They must now pay more for alternative CGMs or revert to painful glucose meter tests. Mohit, Snehal & Nupur from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation spoke with Eshan from the Times of India.
🔗 Read the full article.
🔗 Read the article in Sakal about the same issues. Sakal is the largest circulated Marathi newspaper in the state of Maharashtra.
🔗 Read the article in The Bridge Chronicle newspaper too.
Join our #BlueCircleWorkshops led by and for people living with diabetes, Sunday, 5PM IST - free and open to all!
Dive into the 48th episode of our series, Meethi Baatein, as we spotlight and celebrate the top contributors of our vibrant Facebook community. This time, join Kanak, living with T1 as she chats with top contributor Shailja, who has LADA / type 1.5 diabetes.
Tune in on Facebook Live, click here to RSVP/view!
We have several upcoming events in the next few weeks, join us! Stay tuned for upcoming virtual and physical events in your cities & don't miss the chance to meet other friends & families with diabetes! Any questions? Ask away on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India and head to the 'Events' section on the group to RSVP for events you want to share or attend!
Watch this space for more events!
We share all important information and updates on our social media handles, so ensure you join our Facebook community , follow us on Instagram , Twitter , YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn. Here's a quick low down on all that happened in August 2025 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.
We had 16 online and offline events in August 2025 - see the photos below!
Glimpses from our offline meets
Glimpses from our August Pune meet at the Blue Circle Community Centre — where we spoke about the challenges & lives of caregivers 💙
Got ideas for what you’d like to see at the centre? Share them here.
Photos from the event in Pune
Photo from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕
Photo from our Bengaluru coffee catch-up ☕
Retinal Health in Diabetes Event - Hyderabad
Our Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes – Hyderabad Edition took place on 8th August 2025. We hosted a multilingual, interactive workshop at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital & Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Hyderabad – uniting people with lived experience of all types of diabetes, leading doctors, and government stakeholders to tackle diabetic eye complications through early detection, awareness, and better access to care.
Kudos to our patient representative panelists – Chaitanya Patwari (T2), Parinaaz (T1), and Yashodha (T1) – for sharing their voices and lived experience.This Hyderabad edition is part of our national series to protect vision and improve diabetes outcomes.
Next stop: Bengaluru!
Photos from the retinal health event at Hyderabad
Also see the video below-
Corporate Awareness Program
We organised a virtual Corporate Diabetes Awareness Programme for staff on 1st August 2025 at Cavista Technologies (Axxess) 💪💙
Help make a difference and please get in touch with us at support@bluecircle.foundation if you would like to arrange similar sessions at your organisation. If you are interested in volunteering, keep an eye out for calls on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India.
School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra
In August 2025, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation reached out to schools in Pune and Satara through a collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation’s KiDS programme. Across the month, we conducted 12 engaging sessions in 5 schools, reaching 1,463 students and 104 staff members. These sessions aimed to bring diabetes education into classrooms, reduce stigma, and promote healthy lifestyles & helping young people better understand type 1 diabetes while addressing preventable risk factors for type 2. The programme is undertaken in partnership with the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) and supported by an educational grant from Sanofi.
👉 Want to make a difference? Write to us at support@bluecircle.foundation to arrange similar sessions at your school or organisation. Interested in volunteering? Watch for calls in our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India.
See below updates from the various schools we reached in August:
1. Innovative International School, Pune - 7th August
Also see the video below-
2. SGIS School, Mulshi - 20 August
Also see the video below-
3. Online event for parents of Innovative School - 22nd August
4. Shishuvihar Primary School, Pune - 23rd August
Also see the video below-
5. Suryadatta National School, Pune - 26th August
6. Yashoda Public School, Satara - 30th August
New App Feature
💡 New feature alert on the app! Ever wondered when is a good time to eat blood sugar wise? Use the ‘Can I eat now?’ feature which helps to take off a little bit of the mental load. Set your approximate meal times & the app will remind you when to eat based on your Time In Range, current sugars & active insulin
The Blue Circle Diabetes app just hit a major milestone — and we’re growing stronger with every update! It’s India’s first app made by and for people living with diabetes 💙 PS – what’s your favourite new feature? 🥳
Running the app takes ongoing effort and resources — if it’s been helpful to you and you’d like to support others who use it for free, consider a small recurring donation of ₹99:
👉 https://www.bluecircle.foundation/donate
Screenshots from the app
In the News 📣
A Lancet study highlights that 2 in 5 people with diabetes (40%) are unaware of their condition. At least 1 in 5 Indians aged 45+ around 50.4 million individuals live with diabetes. Yet only half achieve recommended targets for blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol control.
Community member Ravinder Sus, a senior citizen living with type 2 diabetes, spoke with Anuradha of The Indian Express. His story reflects how diabetes can often remain hidden until complications arise — underlining the urgent need for awareness, early screening, and stronger systems of support.
Also read the article linked here.
Our Retinal Health in Diabetes workshop (Sion, Mumbai, July 26) was featured in several Marathi newspapers, images below.
The event united people with lived experience, doctors & govt stakeholders to push for early detection & access to eye care.
5 newspapers covered our event
Our Retinal Health in Diabetes workshop (Hyderabad, August 8) was featured in Andhra Prabha & Surya newspapers, images below.
The event united people with lived experience, doctors & govt stakeholders to push for early detection & access to eye care.
2 newspapers covered our event
🎥 Watch ‘Going Full Circle’, a powerful micro-documentary by the NCD Alliance showcasing the impact of community in driving change. Meet Nupur, Snehal & Tanisha from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, each living with type 1 diabetes. Their stories reveal how the strength of community and the will to #LeadOnNCDs can inspire true transformation. Don’t miss it!
The International Diabetes Federation has chosen “Diabetes and Well-being” as the theme for World Diabetes Day 2024-26. Their new campaign video features inspiring stories from diabetes advocates worldwide, including Nupur Lalvani from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation sharing the profound impact of diabetes on their well-being.
This World Diabetes Day, let’s prioritize well-being in diabetes care and take the first step toward creating a better diabetes life for everyone. See the video below-
🚀 Inhaled Insulin Afrezza – Coming soon to India!
Hear Nupur’s experience with Afrezza, the ultra-fast inhaled insulin by Cipla! 💨 Got questions or want a detailed workshop on it? Let us know in the comments or post in our FB community – Diabetes Support Network India!
New Blog Alerts!
🎥 Wondering how to apply the Tracky CGM? Nupur shows you how in this quick video! Tracky is one of the CGM options now available in India. Read the blog here & see videos below on how to apply Tracky & as well as a video review.
Not cured. Not reversed. Just somewhat in control.” Sameer Gujral shares his unfiltered journey with type 2 diabetes & finding balance & community. Read the blog.
A real-world review of Provilac’s High-Protein Milk by Shankar — taste, blood sugar impact, and whether it fits into diabetes management.
Read the full blog here. Have you tried it yet? Tell us in the comments or on our Facebook group, Diabetes Support Network India!
2 dads from the Blue Circle community, Harjot & Vikram, whose young children have type 1 diabetes, share their detailed review of the Linx CGM.
Read the blog here & see the videos in Hindi & English below-
Blue Circle 🔵 Diabetes Myth Busters ✋
Blinking exercises do not cure diabetic retinopathy 🙄 What other myths would you like to see busted? 👊
Hug trees for the right reasons, says Nupur 😂💚 it is NOT going to cure your diabetes or stimulate your pancreas. What other myths would you like to see busted? 👊
Sunflower lanyard
🌻 Heard of the sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities? Nupur breaks it down — what it is, where to get one, and how it can help people living with diabetes and other invisible conditions at airports & other places!
#BlueCircleWorkshops (online)
Did you know that since the onset of COVID-19, every Sunday we've consistently hosted over 250 FREE, online diabetes workshops by and for people living with all types of diabetes as part of our commitment to accessible health education? Each workshop is led by experts who are passionate about making a meaningful difference. Check out our YouTube playlist to see some of these workshops.
Join in, have fun and learn new things. Sign up as a member and follow our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn to know of upcoming workshops. Be a part of our awesome Facebook community too!
RSVP & tune in on Facebook for the live workshops (if you miss a workshop, catch up later with recordings on YouTube or Facebook). Let's learn, grow, and navigate together.
Stepping into Adulthood with Type 1 Diabetes: Workshop
Shreya & Madhur, young adults living with type 1 diabetes, will share their journeys of transitioning into adulthood — navigating independence, work, relationships, and health with T1D.
#BlueCircleWorkshops are free, online workshops on diabetes by and for people living with various types of diabetes. Join us every Sunday at 5PM India time!
Click the post below to view the workshop video on YouTube.
What's your diagnosis story? : FB Chat thread
We hosted a special discussion on ‘What's your diagnosis story,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed diagnosis stories — how did you or your loved one first find out about diabetes?Click this link to read the chat & participate.
#BlueCircleWorkshops are free, online workshops on diabetes by and for people living with various types of diabetes. Join us every Sunday at 5PM India time!
Princess Diaries: Life & Lessons with T1D: Workshop
Join Nupur & Snehal in conversation with Padmaja Kumari Parmar, daughter of the House of Mewar, the former royal house of Udaipur, Rajasthan, as she shares her journey of living with type 1 diabetes - the highs, lows, lessons & advocacy.
#BlueCircleWorkshops are free, online workshops on diabetes by and for people living with various types of diabetes. Join us every Sunday at 5PM India time!
Click the post below to view the workshop video on YouTube
Low Carb for T1D Children : Workshop
Join Abhilasha, mother to a 2.5-year-old T1D toddler on low carb, and Vindhya, who has been low carb since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2.5 years, as they share insights, tips & personal experiences on sustainably managing a low-carb way of eating for children with type 1 diabetes.
#BlueCircleWorkshops are free, online workshops on diabetes by and for people living with various types of diabetes. Join us every Sunday at 5PM India time!
Click the post below to view the workshop video on YouTube.
Linx CGM & The Blue Circle Diabetes App : Workshop
Join Snehal (T1D) & Vikram (T1D parent) as they talk about using the Linx CGM and its integration with the Blue Circle Diabetes App. Don't miss our review blog! Also see the video review in Hindi & English.
#BlueCircleWorkshops are free, online workshops on diabetes by and for people living with various types of diabetes. Join us every Sunday at 5PM India time!
Click the post below to view the workshop video on YouTube.
Buddy Project Helpline turned 5 in May 🎁🎂🎉
Happy Birthday to our Buddy Project Helpline and a big thank you to our buddies, past & present who have volunteered on the helpline 💙
The Buddy Project Helpline started during Covid19 and continues to be a diabetes & mental health support system, free of cost and open to anyone with any type of diabetes & their caregivers.
🆘Read more about the helpline here
🆘 Download on Android here
🆘 Download on iOS here
🆘Read about the Blue Circle Diabetes app here
The Buddy Project Helpline is our mobile app based psychosocial helpline for diabetes and mental health. 9 trained volunteers living with diabetes (type 1, type 2 & caregivers), speaking 9 different languages (English, Hindi, Dutch, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil and Punjabi) are here to listen to you without judgements. If you feel lost, depressed, anxious, panicky, suicidal or generally upset, please schedule a call with us. These are tough times but remember you are NOT alone, your community stands with you.
How to call the Buddy Project helpline
Open the Blue Circle Diabetes app > Buddy Project > Schedule tab > pick a buddy of your choice > Schedule a call (once you schedule you'll see it under the 'Meetings' tab > 10 minutes prior to the call, you'll receive an app notification/reminder > To join the call, open the app, go to Buddy Project & under the 'Meetings' tab, press the 'Join' button (video is off by default, can switch on as per preference)
Help us keep our community safe 🥹💪🏼
Join our mission to keep our Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation and Diabetes Support Network - India community safe! 🛡️ Nupur Lalvani and Snehal Nandagawli are here with a special message: Help us protect our safe space from spammers, sellers & troublemakers. Let’s work together to maintain a supportive, informative, and spam-free environment for everyone. Watch the video to find out how you can contribute to a safer community 🩵🤝
Success Stories
Found the community helpful, have a success story to share? E-mail us on support@bluecircle.foundation and we'll be happy to feature you! Click the post below to read Alka's success story-
Letter for Schools
Whether newly diagnosed or not, it's an anxious time for parents of kids with type 1 diabetes. Please feel free to click this post on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India which will take you to a downloadable and editable letter for schools. Edit it with your child's specific details and share a signed copies with the child's school principal, teachers, etc.
You are welcome to email us on support@bluecircle.foundation if you face any issues with school admissions etc or you would like us to organise a diabetes awareness programme at your school or organisations.
See the post below for an important announcement regarding schools and universities. Click the post below, go to the comments section to read or download each circular issued by the NCPCR - National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Why should you attend our meet-ups?
Fair question! Check out this post to know why-
Diabetes Humour
Life with any type of diabetes is not easy. Here's a little diabetes humour to brighten up your day. Click the posts below & like, share & comment!
Looking for a partner? Marriage & Diabetes
We understand that a lot of people with diabetes face tremendous difficulties in finding the right partner and getting married. We have received a lot of requests over the years to facilitate a platform to this end. Here's our small effort in that direction. If you'd like to find a partner, or are a parent who would like to introduce their child looking to get married, please introduce yourself on our private Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India.
Blue Circle Store- Relaunched!
Check out the adorable diabetes merchandise from the Blue Circle Store and order them now!
#FlipTheCalendar August 2025
Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring Nupur Lalvani, who is low carb, high sass & has type 1 diabetes 🥇
Blue Circle Blogs
Read our blog here. We write about everything from recipes to people's stories, technology and everything diabetes!
Donate
India's first app, made by diabetics & for diabetics. If you have found the app helpful & would like to help, consider making a small donation of Rs 99 per month: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/donate
Download the Blue Circle Diabetes app on Android and iOS. Click here to read about the app & its features.
Thank you to our wonderful community for helping us making the app better for you! We look forward to your generosity to help us rewrite the app ground up! Use the 'New Feature Idea' button on the app to tell us what features may make the app better.
Connect with us and participate!
Join our award winning Facebook community, like and follow our page, subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn too! Use the Blue Circle Diabetes app to track your vitals and don't forget to check out our website and Buddy Project helpline too!
SUPPORT BLUE CIRCLE DIABETES FOUNDATION
We need your help and support to continue to grow, expand and touch the lives of countless people in the diabetes community. Every little bit helps us in sustaining this endeavour. Our NGO is registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, India.
Click here to donate
