Newsletter: Momentum in May
Welcome to our Momentum in May newsletter edition! May was a month of meaningful advocacy and milestones for our diabetes community. We delivered a formal statement at the WHO EML meeting to push for the inclusion of rapid-acting analog insulins in the WHO Essential Medicines List. Our community proudly represented lived experiences at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, a storytelling workshop, and a peer support symposium in New Delhi. We shared updates on the Tracky CGM and celebrated 5 years of our Buddy Project Helpline—connecting and supporting people with diabetes across India.
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. iCan by Sinocare CGM - MRP Rs 5500 (lasts 15 days) - review coming soon!
3. Libre 1 FGM - MRP 5249 (lasts 14 days)- see the blog & video
- Tracky CGM - MRP Rs 3899 (lasts 14 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!
Join Akanksha (mom to a child with type 1 diabetes) and Navintara (mom to a child with a rare disease called Niemann-Pick/ASMD) as they share their stories of caregiving, resilience & raising children with chronic conditions—while vastly different, their journeys also reveal deep similarities.
Tune in on Facebook Live, click here to RSVP/view!
Apply to be an app beta tester!
We have been working behind the scenes, making a big revamp to our Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app, which is an app made ‘by’ and ‘for’ people with all types of diabetes. Come join the cool club of diverse Blue Circle Beta Testers. Read more about the Blue Circle Diabetes app:
See if you fit the eligibility criteria and apply now!
Have questions? Email: support@bluecircle.foundation
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!
Join in for online and offline 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 May 2025 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.
We had 9 online and offline events in May 2025 - see the photos below!
Glimpses from our offline meets
Friends from our Mumbai coffee catch-up!
Friends from our Pune coffee catch-up!
Pune friends!
Friends from our Delhi coffee catch-up!
Delhi pics
78th World Health Assembly in Geneva
Nupur Lalvani represented our community & civil society at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland & spoke at several events -
💡 On 18th May, at a high-level panel on priorities for the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, also featuring a fireside chat with former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark
💡On 19th May, at Advocacy in Action: Bringing Lived Experience to the Global Health Policy Debate
💡Later that day, on the role of digital tools in NCDs at Digital Health Transformation in the Global NCD Response – A Call for a Unified Approach and Scaled Investment
💡 On 21st May, at Scaling Up Oral Health Strategies for NCD Prevention
💡On 22nd May, at the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Diseases Early Diagnosis and Treatment Forum, highlighting the need to prioritise screening and early intervention in NCDsWe’re honoured to represent our community and bring the voices of people living with diabetes to the global stage by advocating for NCDs and universal health coverage for all.As momentum builds toward the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs this year, we remain committed to ensuring that lived experiences are at the heart of global health decision-making.
Photos from the events at WHA Geneva
WHO EML Meeting
Representing a coalition of Indian diabetes organisations, Nupur Lalvani delivered a formal statement at the WHO Open Session of the 25th EML Expert Committee on 5 May 2025, highlighting the urgent need to include rapid-acting analogue insulins in the WHO Essential Medicines List to advance patient-centred, equitable diabetes care, especially in low and middle income countries. The WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) guides countries in selecting, purchasing, and ensuring affordable access to essential medicines. This 50th anniversary year is a critical moment to call for stronger national action.In the lead-up to the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs this year, access to essential insulins must be recognised as a global health priority.
Peer Support Symposium, New Delhi
Nupur & Snehal represented our community at a symposium in New Delhi focused on fostering peer support for people living with diabetes. Peer-led support is the heart of what we do – because no one should have to navigate diabetes alone.
Photos from the event in Delhi
Storytelling Workshop, New Delhi
Nishtha represented our community at a diabetes storytelling workshop organised by Beyond Type 1 & the Moth in New Delhi. Sharing lived experiences is a key step towards breaking stigma and building connection & we’re proud to see our voices heard and valued.
Photos from the event in Delhi
New App Feature
The Blue Circle Diabetes app is now 5 years old & India’s first app made by and for those actually living with diabetes. PS- what’s your favourite new feature? 🥳
New feature 💡We’ve added a brand new Meal Reports section, built from your feedback and suggestions!
Running the mobile app consumes recurring resources & if you feel it’s been helpful for you & you want to support people who use the platform for free, please consider a small recurring donation of Rs 99 - https://www.bluecircle.foundation/donate
Screenshots from the app
In the News
🎥 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!
Our app uptime is 99.8%, and we’ve been working hard to bring our response time down to a lightning-fast ~100 milliseconds! Have any questions? Ask in our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India.
Download the Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app on Android and iOS. Learn more about all the app features in this blog.
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. Stay tuned for our detailed review blog and video! 👀💙
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 ✋
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.
Ask Us Anything: Workshop
Join our Ask Us Anything and virtual coffee with Snehal and Nupur on #BlueCircleWorkshops — ask, share, and connect on anything related to living with 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 (you can also view on Facebook here)
Organ Transplants:Myths & Facts: Workshop
Join Jaya from MOHAN Foundation, a kidney transplant recipient whose condition was not caused by diabetes, and Snehal (T1) as they discuss common myths and facts about organ donation and transplants.
#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 (you can also view on Facebook here)
Sick Day Management : FB Chat thread
We hosted a special discussion on ‘Sick Day Management,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed about the unique challenges and tips for managing diabetes during sick days. 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!
Mental Health Support in Children with Diabetes: Workshop
Join school counsellor Sanjivani (T1) and Shreya (LADA) as they share practical strategies, tips, and real-life experiences on supporting the mental health of children living with any type of diabetes, ADHD, autism, and other special needs.
#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 (you can also view on Facebook here)
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 May 2025
Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring people living with all types of diabetes. Featuring biohacker & actor Megha who has type 1 diabetes 🥇
Order calendars & adorable diabetes merchandise:
https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store
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
