Newsletter: June Journeys
June was a month of journeys, conversations & community at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation 💫
From conducting 13 online & offline community events across India and representing our community at IEEPO in Basel, Switzerland to supporting a peer support initiative with the Rajasthan Government in Jaipur and joining meaningful conversations at Thrive Katta in Pune and announcing exclusive discounted community pricing for LinX & VitaTok CGMs through the Blue Circle Diabetes app, June took us to new places while bringing more friends, opportunities & allies into the diabetes community.
Here’s a look at what June 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 -
- Person ordering should be a Blue Circle member (by signing up on the Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app). Sensors available pan India.
- Order should be placed through the Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app only.
- 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.
- 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.
- For queries, email support@bluecircle.foundation
Come volunteer with us!
12 Districts, 57 Schools, 26,944 Students, 1127 Staff, 111 KiDS sessions 💙 Let’s continue to make a difference together!
Keep an eye out on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India & sign up https://www.bluecircle.foundation/volunteer
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!
Join our #BlueCircleWorkshops led by and for people living with diabetes, all Sundays - free and open to all!
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.
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!
Upcoming 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 June 2026 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.
We had 13 online and offline events in June 2026 - see the photos below!
Glimpses from our offline meets
Our Pune friends had a blast at the park group workout Games Bond event 💛 Stay connected on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India for upcoming events in your city 🇮🇳
Meet the Pune gang!
Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕
Mumbai friends!
Photos from our Jaipur coffee catch-up ☕
Jaipur coffee club!
Slum Diabetes Awareness Program, Pune
On 3rd June 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted a diabetes awareness programme at a slum at Tadiwala Road, Pune, engaging with individuals and families in a low-resource community setting.
Awareness, education & access to reliable information remain critical in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the community, answer questions & promote healthier living.
Every person deserves access to health awareness & support, regardless of where they live 🫂
👉 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.
Photos from the event
Also, see a video from the event-
Slum Diabetes Awareness Program, Pune
On 18th June 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted a diabetes awareness programme at a slum at Mahadev wadi, Pune, engaging with people & families in a low-income settlement.
Awareness, education & access to reliable information remain critical in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. At first, only local men joined until we used a microphone from the temple nearby to call on women & children to participate as well 🔊 Not only did people show up, but also interacted & asked questions.
The vegetable vendor seated on the fringe (pictured in one of the photographs) was especially happy when we reiterated the importance of healthy whole foods including fresh vegetables 😊🥕
Every person deserves access to health awareness & support, regardless of where they live 🫂
Photos from the slum awareness event
Also, see a video from the event-
Slum Diabetes Awareness Program, Pune
On 19th June 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted another diabetes awareness programme at a slum at Tadiwala Road, Pune, engaging with individuals and families in a low-resource community setting.
Photos from the event on the 19th
Also, see a video from the event-
School Diabetes Awareness Program: Mumbai
On 22nd June 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation organised a School Diabetes Awareness Programme at Seven Eleven Scholastic School, Mira Road, Mumbai, for 160 students and staff.
Every classroom conversation plants a seed—of awareness, empathy, and healthier choices that can last a lifetime 🌱
Photos from the school
Also, see a video from the event-
Diabetes Awareness for Senior Citizens: Pune
On 24th June 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted a diabetes awareness programme at Dignity Foundation & Dementia Care Centre Pune, engaging with senior citizens🌻
Awareness, education & access to reliable information remain critical in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases especially for elderly people.
One of the women told us she lost her sibling to undiagnosed diabetes when they were children 🥹 Yet another woman told us about the changes she’s made that have led to her going from having type 2 diabetes to the pre-diabetic range (strength training 5 days a week & eating low carb)
Every person deserves access to health awareness & support, regardless of their age 🫂
Chatting with senior citizens about diabetes
Also, see a video from the event-
Chawl Diabetes Awareness: Mumbai
On 28th June 2026, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation conducted a diabetes awareness programme in a chawl (a lower cost, densely populated shared housing community) in Jogeshwari, Mumbai.
Awareness, education & access to reliable information remain critical in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
One of the men who attended the session was intoxicated. He works long hours as a driver, lives with type 2 diabetes, and has a leg wound that has been slow to heal. Our team counselled him on the importance of visiting his nearest primary healthcare centre, continuing the treatment prescribed by his doctors, and staying connected with the community for ongoing support and motivation.
Every person deserves access to health awareness and support, regardless of where they live or come from 🫂
Photos from the chawl event
Also, see a video from the event-
IEEPO, Basel, Switzerland
Nupur Lalvani represented Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation & the Asia Pacific region at the International Experience Exchange with Patient Organisations Global Townhall in Basel, Switzerland, alongside patient advocates from Hong Kong, Malaysia, China & across the world🇨🇭
The gathering brought together patient advocates, healthcare stakeholders & industry partners to exchange ideas, share experiences & discuss how we can strengthen patient-centred healthcare globally.
🎥 Watch our recent reel from Basel
Peer Support event, Rajasthan Government
On 13th June 2026, our team was proud to be in Jaipur for the Type 1 Diabetes Peer Support Program organised by the Department of Medical and Health Services, Government of Rajasthan.
It’s encouraging to see governments recognising the value of patient communities as partners in healthcare. Here’s to many more such collaborations! 💪💜
Photos from the event
Also, see a video from the event-
Thrive Katta, Pune
In the last week of June, Nupur was invited to speak at Thrive Katta, a community initiative in Pune that’s all about bringing people together.
No stage, no formal presentations, no “gyaan”. Just people from different walks of life coming together to have open conversations, ask questions, share experiences & learn from one another.
Nupur spoke about living with type 1 diabetes, busted a few common diabetes myths, answered questions from the audience & most importantly, had some wonderful conversations with people who wanted to understand all types of diabetes a little better.
These are exactly the kinds of spaces where awareness grows—not just through lectures, but through open conversations.
Thank you Thrive Katta, for having us 💙
Pune photos
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 📣
A diabetes awareness session on the occasion of Mother’s Day, organised by Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation in collaboration with Maple Tree School, Jaipur, was featured in Rajasthan newspaper Samachar Jagat.
The session focused on early signs, types, and symptoms of diabetes in children, along with healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and awareness for parents and families 💙
Screenshots from the article
🎥 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!
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!
🎥 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 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.
How to explain diabetes to friends & relatives? FB Chat thread
We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we did a day-long chat thread on how you explain diabetes to relatives, friends, classmates, colleagues, or even strangers.
People shared everything from myths and awkward questions to support, understanding, and communication with loved ones. 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!
Diabetes & Bone/Joint Health: Workshop
Join Dr Abhishek Patil, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, along with Sanjeevani (T1D), for an interactive session on diabetes, joint pain, mobility, bone health, knee problems, exercise, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Dr Patil specialises in hip & knee replacement, orthopaedic trauma, and complex joint surgeries.
#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.
Meethi Baatein with Rutuja
Dive into the 50th 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 Yoahaan (T1D) as he chats with top contributor & T1D, Rutuja.
#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.
Free Diabetes Care in Rajasthan: Workshop
Join Manish & Anant for a practical session on accessing free insulin, strips, investigations, and other diabetes-related support through government hospitals in Rajasthan. The session will include real-life experiences, required documents, processes, challenges, and useful tips for families.
#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!
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!
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
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 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-
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
Check out the adorable diabetes merchandise from the Blue Circle Store and order them now!
#FlipTheCalendar June 2026
Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring basketball aficionado, Saikhom who 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!
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
