July was a month of community, education & advocacy at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation  💫

From conducting 25 online & offline community events across India and reaching 14,239 students & staff through diabetes awareness programmes across Maharashtra to participating in national health policy discussions & government led peer support programmes, publishing in The Lancet Global Health & being featured in a news article in the Lighthouse, launching new app features & sharing practical education through workshops on stroke, AGEs, oral GLP-1s and diabetes technology, July was packed with opportunities to educate, advocate and strengthen our diabetes community.

Here’s a look at what July 2026 looked like at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation 

📢 LinX/VitaTok CGM Pricing for Our Community

Hi all, we are happy to announce that our NGO Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation has liaised with the company to bring our members the best rate available for Linx (Rs 3100) & Vitatok (Rs 3000) sensors. This rate is inclusive of shipping & a FREE adhesive over patch!

This rate is applicable only in the following cases -

1. Person ordering should be a Blue Circle member (by signing up on the Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app). Sensors available pan India.
2. Order should be placed through the Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app only.
3. To order, open the Blue Circle app, go to the Menu > Shop > CGM Store > View member pricing & order. Then select the CGM & quantity of your choice & press Buy Now. Proceed to fill your details & make the payment. You will then receive confirmation from the seller.
4. Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation is organising this facility for the benefit of community members living with diabetes & NO profit or commission is being made by the NGO. Sensors are for personal use & not resale. If any member is found to be doing so, strict action will be initiated.
5. For queries, email support@bluecircle.foundation

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!

Join our #BlueCircleWorkshops led by and for people living with diabetes, all Sundays - free and open to all!

Dive into the 51st episode of our series, Meethi Baatein, as we spotlight and celebrate the top contributors of our vibrant Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India. This time, join Akanksha (mom to a T1D) as she chats with top contributor & grandfather to a T1D child, Satish Puri. Spread the word, share, and let's keep our meethi baatein ('sweet talks') going!

Tune in on Facebook, click here to RSVP!

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!‌

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 July 2026 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 25 online and offline events in July 2026 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Glimpses from our in person workshop on ‘Insulin Sensitivity’ at the Blue Circle Community Centre, Pune 🪩 Stay connected on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India for upcoming events in your city 🇮🇳

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

Photos from our Jaipur coffee catch-up ☕

Amazing Bengaluru low carb lunch 🥘 ☕ Stay connected for more updates and events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India 🇮🇳

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In July 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation reached out to schools in the state of Maharashtra through a collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation’s KiDS programme & covered 13,188 students and staff in July & 41,297 students & staff over 10 months of this programme.

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 July:

1. ⁠Innovative International School, Pune (Refresher session) - 2nd July

Also, see a video from the event-

⁠2. Rashtriya Vidyalaya, Kurkundi & Bhairavnath High School, Kivale villages - 11th July - 2 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

3. Panchkroshi High School & ⁠Zilla Parishad Primary, Darumbre village (Refresher sessions) - 13th July - 2 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

4. Suryadatta National School & Shri Sai English Medium School (Refresher sessions) - 14th July - 2 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

5. Gurukul English Medium School, Gurukul English Medium School(CBSE) Ghodegaon village, Smart Kids Academy, Sonai village, Late. Vilas Bankar English Medium School, Brahmni village - 16th July - 4 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

6. Dnyanmauli English Medium School & Ghodeshwari High School, Ghodegaon village, Podar Sunrise School, Palashi village, Glory English Medium School, Shirwal village, Oxford International School, Kikvi (Refresher session) - 17th July - 5 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

7. Zilla Parishad Primary school, Hingangaon village, LDJ Madhyamik Vidyalaya, New English medium school, Ashtapur village, Jogeshwari Mata Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Wadebolhai village - 23rd July - 4 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

8. Suyog Sunderji Wisdom School (refresher session), Saraswati english medium school, Pune - 27th July - 2 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

9. Vadzire English Medium School, Ambika Vidyalaya, DeviBhoyare, Shri. Sunderabai Gahinaji Lanke School, Ambika Vidyalaya Junior College, DeviBhoyare, Ahilyanagar district - 29th July - 4 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

10. Jogeshwari Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Kesnand village, Madhyamik ashram shala, Wagholi, & ⁠Bhartiya Jain Sanghatana Madhyamik Vidyalaya - 30th July - 3 schools

Also, see a video from the event-

11. Shishu Vihar Primary School, Karvenagar (Refresher session) - 31st July

Also, see a video from the event-

Additional Awareness Programs: Maharashtra

On 21st July 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted a Diabetes Awareness Programme at Balbharati MJP College of Commerce, Kandivali, Mumbai, for 115 students and staff.

The session focused on diabetes awareness, the types, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, prevention, recognising symptoms & the importance of early diagnosis and timely care 

Also, see a video from the event-

On 30th July 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted a Diabetes Awareness Programme at Guru Nanak School, Vikhroli, Mumbai, for 260 students & staff.

Also, see a video from the event-

On 31st July 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted 2 Diabetes Awareness Programmes in Alibag at PNP Holy Child School (State Board) & PNP Primary and Secondary Marathi Medium School for 676 students & staff.

Also, see a video from the event-

Peer Support event, Rajasthan Government

Nupur was in Kuchaman on 14th July 2026 in the Didwana-Kuchaman district of Rajasthan for the type 1 diabetes peer support program organised by the Department of Medical and Health Services, Government of Rajasthan.

Here’s to more governments recognising the role of patient communities in the health system 💪💜

Also, see a video from the event-

World Health Summit Academic Alliance, New Delhi

Nupur Lalvani represented our community at the preparatory workshop of the World Health Summit Academic Alliance where she is part of of the Technical Working Group on Maternal and Child Health, held on 23 July 2026 in New Delhi

The discussions also highlighted the growing burden of various types of diabetes & other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) & the importance of integrating prevention, early diagnosis & people-centred care into broader health system strengthening efforts.

Telling people I have T1D (reel)

We asked our Pune community how they tell people they have type 1 diabetes 🩵💛 Tell us how you do it!

GRWM / Get Ready With Us: Diabetes Edition 💙 (reel)

Outfit ✅ Makeup ✅ Heels ✅ …but also the invisible checklist before stepping out:
Checked sugars? Packed snacks? Carried insulin? 😅 Because it’s never ‘just’ getting ready.

📢 GST Reform Updates

At the 56th GST Council Meeting in September 2025, the Government of India announced important health-related tax reductions:

✅ Health & life insurance GST reduced from 18% → 0%
✅ Glucometers & test strips GST reduced from 12% → 5%

This is a welcome step toward making healthcare more affordable. At Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, we will continue to advocate for reductions on other essential diabetes care items too. Access and affordability for all 💙

New App Feature

💡New CGM integration alert! We’ve integrated the Libre 2 CGM via the Juggluco app (Android), based on your feedback and suggestions!

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

In the News 📣

Our community member Supriya Shonu, parent to a 10-year-old living with type 1 diabetes, spoke to Lighthouse Reports about the everyday challenges of reading food labels and why India urgently needs clear front-of-pack nutrition warnings to help people make informed choices.

Encouragingly, this comes at a time when the newly launched ICMR ‘Let’s Fix Our Food’ Consortium is also calling for healthier school food environments, stronger regulation of junk food marketing and better nutrition labelling—important steps towards helping people make healthier choices.

Read the article here.

As global health architecture is reimagined, people living with chronic conditions must not be an afterthought. This Lancet Global Health Comment, co-authored by Nupur Lalvani & fellow lived experience advocates, calls for lived experience to become a cornerstone of global health decision-making.

Read the response here.

🎥 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-

Awiqli - weekly basal insulin

Many of you have been asking about Awiqli (insulin icodec), the once-weekly basal insulin, which has just been launched in India 🇮🇳

In this video, Nupur Lalvani explains what it is, who it may be suitable for, what the clinical trials have shown so far & answers some of the most common questions we’ve been receiving.

Share this with & someone who needs to know & remember to join our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India to join discussions with thousands of people living with diabetes!

🚀 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!

Access to insulin should not depend on where you live or what you can afford. In the state of Telangana in India, people with type 1 diabetes can access free analogue (bolus & basal) insulin every month. Parinaaz has put together a practical, step-by-step guide on how to avail it. Read it here and let’s spread the word!

Not cured. Not reversed. Just somewhat in control.” Sameer Gujral shares his unfiltered journey with type 2 diabetes & finding balance & community. Read the blog.

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 350 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.

What's on your plate? FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we did a day-long chat thread on descriptions and photos of meals, snacks, recipes, healthy swaps, or anything they’ve enjoyed eating. 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!

Our Experience Using Oral GLP-1s: Workshop

Join Snehal (T1) & Nishtha (LADA) as they share their real-life experiences using oral GLP-1 medications including why they started, what the initial weeks were like, side effects, changes in blood glucose & weight, practical tips & what they wish they had known before starting. You can also read their blog on this topic.

#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.

Diabetes & Stroke: Workshop

Join consultant neurologist Dr Ashutosh N Shetty and Nupur Lalvani as they discuss the link between diabetes and stroke, understanding your risk, warning signs, prevention strategies, recovery & practical steps to reduce your risk of future strokes.

#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.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) & Diabetes: Workshop

Join Ishaan & Snehal as they discuss Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)—what they are, how they form, their role in diabetes and its complications & simple dietary & cooking changes that may help reduce AGE exposure.

#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.

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 4300 (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!

4. Libre 1 FGM - MRP 5249 (lasts 14 days)- see the blog & video 

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.

Buddy Project Helpline turned 6 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

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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)

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‌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 🩵🤝

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‌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 this post to read Yash'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-‌

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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!‌

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A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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.‌

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Blue Circle Store

Check out the adorable diabetes merchandise from the Blue Circle Store and order them now!‌

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#FlipTheCalendar July 2026

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring Girish, who likes spending time with family & has type 3c diabetes🥇

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Blue Circle Blogs

Read our blog here. We write about everything from recipes to people's stories, technology and everything diabetes!‌‌

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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!