March carried forward our mission driven start to the year at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, with a strong focus on community, awareness & advocacy 💫

From hosting 11 online and offline community events (all online workshops were themed around women's health this women's month) and continuing to build meaningful peer engagement, to expanding our school diabetes awareness programmes while also representing our community across India and globally, from Switzerland to Jaipur, Pune and Vijayawada — March has been a month of steady momentum and growing impact.

We also continued to scale our outreach through the KiDS programme, reaching over 1,000 students and staff this month alone, and more than 28,000 across Maharashtra over the past 8 months.

Here’s a look at what March 2026 looked like at Blue Circle Diabetes 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!

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

Join us for a special day long thread on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India on what you wish you knew earlier about diabetes, whether it’s about insulin, food, misconceptions, mental health, or daily management.  Big or small, lessons, mistakes, tips or mindset shifts — your experience could help someone else. This is a text-only session (no video, just comments) from 9AM to 9PM IST so drop in anytime & add your voice! Open to ALL!

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 March 2026 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 11 online and offline events in March 2026 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Glimpses from #IDSRun2026 — a vibrant 3km & 5km run and Zumba session in Pune, India 🏃‍♂️💃

Brought together by the joint efforts of Chellaram Hospital - Diabetes Care & Multispeciality, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, Eris, Servier, the Adar Poonawalla Clean City initiative, ARAR Events & The Pavillion Mall, this exhilarating event was part of the 10th International Diabetes Summit, uniting our community in the spirit of health and awareness.

A special highlight — Milind Soman flagged off the run, joined participants, and spoke about the importance of fitness, inspiring everyone to keep moving.

Stay tuned for online/offline events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India 🌞

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

Photos from our Jaipur meet-up!

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In March 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. Across the month, we conducted 3 engaging sessions in 2 schools, reaching 976 students and 33 teachers & staff.

In the last 8 months, we covered one third of the state of Maharashtra across 12 districts, reaching 26,944 students, 1127 staff in 111 KiDS sessions over 57 schools.

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 February:

1. Shree Sai English Medium School - 5th March

Also see the video below-

2. Acharya Shree Vijay Vallabh School - 7th March

Also see the video below-

ALIGN-T1D, Basel, Switzerland

Representing India 🇮🇳 in Basel, Switzerland🇨🇭Nupur Lalvani joined global stakeholders at an ALIGN-T1D meeting working to close critical gaps in access to care for people living with type 1 diabetes in low and middle income countries. Nearly 10 million people worldwide live with T1D, yet many still face preventable loss of life due to limited access to insulin, monitoring, peer support & overall quality care.

In India too, access remains inconsistent. We need stronger, integrated, government-led systems that ensure no one is left behind 💙🌍

End Diabetes Stigma Summit, Jaipur

The Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation team was out in full force at the End Diabetes Stigma Summit in Jaipur, India 💪🏻💙💛 the first-ever summit focused on diabetes stigma.

Stigma continues to shape how people experience diabetes — from access to care to everyday life. Bringing lived experiences into these conversations is critical to driving real change.

Anant, Sanskruti, Savita & Nupur were speakers, with our community represented as delegates. Nupur also served on the summit steering committee.

10th International Diabetes Summit, Pune

A group of diabetes advocates proudly represented the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation at the 10th International Diabetes Summit in Pune, hosted by Chellaram Hospital – Diabetes Care & Multispeciality. The conference reinforced an important principle: people living with diabetes must be actively involved in the spaces where decisions about their care are discussed — because #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs 🌟

Our community members & advocates have shared their key learnings and reflections with the wider community — find their posts on social media & our FB community – Diabetes Support Network India!

We’re also proud to share that Ravinder, Elena, Kavya & Nupur were presented with the Diabetes Empowerment Award by Milind Soman, recognising their contributions to strengthening the voice of people living with diabetes.

Retinal health event, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh

Parinaaz represented our community at an expert consultation workshop on strengthening retinal healthcare at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh where she spoke about the societal and economic impact of chronic retinal disease & the lived realities of patients and families.

The event organised by Access Health and LV Prasad Eye Institute brought together policymakers, retinal specialists, patient advocates & healthcare providers to engage in a constructive dialogue on strengthening access, financing & sustainability of retinal care in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Medtronic Design Thinking Workshop, Pune

Community members participated in a design thinking workshop at the Medtronic Minimed Global Capability Centre in Pune sharing lived experiences, insights & feedback from the diabetes community 💙

Which diabetes myths would you like to bust? (reel)

What diabetes myths have you heard & want to bust? 👊 We asked our community at our monthly meet & here’s what they had to say! Share yours in the comments 😊

One change you’ll make for a better A1c? (reel)

Right after our A1c workshop at the Blue Circle Community Centre in Pune, we asked our community:

What’s one small change you’ll make for a better A1c? Improving your HbA1c is about consistent, meaningful steps. Tell us yours in the comments 💙

📢 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 📣

India has the highest number of children with type 1 diabetes and families continue to face late diagnosis, unaffordable insulin and weak support systems. Mid-day speaks to Nupur Lalvani from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, highlighting this urgent issue. Read the article online 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-

🚀 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 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.

Living with diabetes in Pakistan 🇵🇰 : Workshop

Join Sobia 🇵🇰 & Snehal 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Pakistan - healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across borders. As we celebrate Women’s Month this March, this session is part of Project Gaia, our initiative to create a safe, supportive space for women with all types of 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.

Women's Day Panel : Workshop

Join Akanksha (T1 caregiver), Deepanshi (Type 3c), Shailja (LADA), Ayushi (T2), Smita (Gestational → T1D), and Rinkal (Neonatal caregiver) as they share their lived experiences across different forms of diabetes.

As we mark Women’s Day, this panel brings together diverse voices to talk about diagnosis journeys, caregiving, stigma, strength, and navigating different types of diabetes across different life stages. This session is part of Project Gaia, our initiative to create a safe and supportive space for women with all types of 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.

Raising a daughter with T1 : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we did a new year, day-long chat thread on diabetes goals in 2026. What are you hoping to work on this year, better numbers, more movement, fewer burnouts, or simply being kinder to yourself?

 From health goals to mindset shifts, routines to rest, share what your 2026 looks like. 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!

Living with diabetes in Thailand 🇹🇭: Workshop

Join Marlena 🇹🇭 & Sanskruti 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Thailand - healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across borders.

As we celebrate Women’s Month this March, this session is part of Project Gaia, our initiative to create a safe, supportive space for women with all types of 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.

Body image & diabetes : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we did a day-long chat thread on body image and diabetes - sharing experiences, challenges, insecurities, confidence, and everyday wins. As we celebrated Women’s Month this March, this session is part of Project Gaia, our initiative to create a safe, supportive space for women with all types of diabetes.

From scars and sensors to weight changes, stigma, judgements, clothing choices, and self-worth — let’s talk about what it really looks like. 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!

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 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)

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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 🩵🤝

‌

‌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-‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

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.‌

‌

Blue Circle Store

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

‌

#FlipTheCalendar March 2026

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring sweet little Alcaraz who was diagnosed with neonatal diabetes at the age of 2.5 months🥇

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!

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

Living with Type 1 diabetes in Telangana or caring for someone who is? You could be eligible for free analogue insulin every month (both rapid-acting and long-acting), irrespective of socio-economic background.

Sounds like a dream, right? It’s not. This is already happening at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad — completely free of cost. Here’s everything you need to know.

Access to insulin should not depend on where you live or what you can afford. Encouragingly, some states in India are now providing free rapid-acting and long-acting analogue insulins and more are beginning to follow.

At Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, we continue to advocate for wider, equitable access across India. Join our community to stay informed and connect with others via our Facebook group, Diabetes Support Network India.

This program was started at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad, in September 2022 and is available through the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in the Department of Endocrinology (second floor, main building).

The process does take time — expect to spend a few hours at the hospital, especially on your first visit. Nevertheless, you do get a month’s supply of both short (rapid) acting (Novorapid/Fiasp) and long acting insulin (Tresiba) and that itself makes the wait worth it!

The 6 doctors at Gandhi Hospital take the time to carefully understand the patient's needs, especially when you go there for the first time. Not only that, they also educate the family on the correct way to take insulin. When they come the second time, they are encouraged to get their SMBG (self monitoring blood glucose - see our video tutorial here on how to use a glucometer in English & Telugu) reports, so that the doctors can make an informed decision on any changes to the insulin doses. Patients are also encouraged to get their HbA1C reports at regular intervals, for a more comprehensive view of blood sugar readings (also read our checklist for routine diabetes tests) Height, weight and blood pressure are also checked, for a more complete picture of the patient's vitals.

Here is a step-by-step guide to obtain insulin from Gandhi Hospital:

1. Download the ABHA app from PlayStore (for Android) or App Store (for iOS) Then link your phone number and Aadhaar to get an ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) Number. This step can be done from home. If you already have an ABHA number/address, you can just login with that.
2. Go to Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad on any Thursday of the month (except on public holidays). Go straight to the OP (meaning 'outpatient') Block (picture below).

When you’re outside the OP block, open the Abha app. You will see a QR scanner at the bottom of the home page.

Use that to scan this QR code:

The reason you need to do this at the hospital is because the app has Geo Tagging. It will only work when you are inside the Hospital or a very close area to the hospital.

Pro Tip: Do it outside the OP block, as you will lose mobile network once you go in, or else it will be too weak to scan the QR code.

3. When you scan the above QR, you will get a token number. This is required to get the OP slip. Remember that token number!
4. Once inside the OP block, stand in the leftmost queue (this is the one for those who already have the token number). At the counter, tell them your token number and collect the OP slip. This slip is needed to consult with the doctor & collect insulin.
   Pro Tip: The OP block also has a Help Desk, just in case you find any problems with generating the token or with the ABHA app.
5. With the OP slip, go to the second floor of the main building (NOT the OP block). Go to the Endocrinology section, where you’ll see ‘Centre of Excellence’. ⁠Put your OP Slip in a small book (you need to carry a book, there’s no file system) and give it to them. They’ll call out your name when it’s your turn.
6. When your turn comes, the doctor will see your blood sugar levels for the last few days (carry that with you - either in a written form or show them the app where you enter the values). He/she will prescribe the dose of insulin. You may then collect a month’s insulin from the adjoining room. They also give syringes/pen needles when available. Do note - You will NOT be given insulin or even be able to consult with the doctor without the OP slip.
   
   Some other pointers:
   - Go as early as possible so that you do not end up spending a lot of time there. They see as many as 130-160 patients a week and have a total of 600 patients (and growing) in all.
   - Carry an ice pack / Frio or any other coolant for the insulin you get at the hospital.
   - Wear a face mask as far as possible, as it is a government hospital and there are many patients who come there.
   - Carry your hypo kit, water and eatables just in case it takes a long while. Be patient - this could take a while!
   
   This is the process to get free insulin from Gandhi Hospital. Do avail of it if you live in Hyderabad / Secunderabad, or can travel there once a month if you reside elsewhere in Telangana. Hope this helps 🙂

If you have any queries or experiences you'd like to share or if you'd just like to connect with other diabetics, please post on our Facebook group, Diabetes Support Network India. If you or someone you know is living with type 1 diabetes in Telangana, this can make a real difference. Do share this blog with anyone who might benefit.

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

February continued the momentum of a purposeful year at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, with community, awareness & advocacy at the heart of everything we do.

From hosting 13 online and offline events and strengthening peer support through our #BlueCircleWorkshops, to expanding school diabetes awareness programmes and representing the community in important national and international conversations across the Philippines, Hyderabad & closer to home in Pune, February has been another month of meaningful engagement and impact.

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

Come volunteer with us!

12 Districts, 55 Schools, 25,968 Students, 1094 Staff, 108 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

Announcement - Blue Circle Calendar 2026

We're thrilled to unveil our 7th edition of the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar for 2026!

Grab yours TODAY: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store

Featuring 12 incredible individuals with various types of diabetes, this charity calendar is a daily reminder that a diagnosis didn't end the journey & with grit and determination we will triumph together! Perfect for your desk, or as an inspiring gift for family and friends! Shipping begins mid-December. For bulk orders, reach out at 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 Akanksha (T1 caregiver), Deepanshi (Type 3c), Shailja (LADA), Ayushi (T2), Smita (Gestational → T1D), and Rinkal (Neonatal caregiver) as they share their lived experiences across different forms of diabetes.

 As we mark Women’s Day, this panel brings together diverse voices to talk about diagnosis journeys, caregiving, stigma, strength, and navigating different types of diabetes across different life stages. This session is part of Project Gaia, our initiative to create a safe and supportive space for women with all types of 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!‌

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 February 2026 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 13 online and offline events in February 2026 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Glimpses from our in person workshop on ‘How to improve your A1c’ at the Blue Circle Community Centre, Pune 🪩 Stay tuned for online/offline events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India 🌞

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

Photos from our Hyderabad coffee catch-up ☕

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In February 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. Across the month, we conducted 12 engaging sessions in 6 schools, reaching 3520 students and 136 teachers & staff.

In the last 6 months, we covered one third of the state of Maharashtra across 12 districts, reaching 25,968 students, 1094 staff in 108 KiDS sessions over 55 schools.

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 February:

1. Oxford International School, Kikvi - 3rd Feb

Also see the video below-

2. Shri Vasantrao Davkhare Memorial School - 6th Feb

Also see the video below-

3.⁠ ⁠2 schools in Uruli Kanchan village- Dr.Asmita International English Medium (CBSE) School & Unnati Kanya Vidyalaya - 9th Feb

Also see the video below-

4. Suyog Sunderji Wisdom School, Wagholi

Also see the video below-

5. Late Shri Mohanrao Bhide Sanskar Gurukul School

Also see the video below-

IEEPO Regional Workshop, Cebu, the Philippines

Nupur represented Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation as an invited speaker at the International Experience Exchange with Patient Organisations Asia Pacific Regional Workshop in Cebu, Philippines.

The workshop brought together patient organisations from across the APAC region to strengthen advocacy capabilities and elevate the role of lived experience in healthcare and policy decision-making.

Nupur spoke on the panel on 'Strengthening advocacy capabilities to support healthcare / policy decision-making', where the discussion focused on integrating patient voices into policy processes, evidence-informed decision-making & people-centred, integrated care.

We are grateful to be part of regional conversations that continue to push healthcare systems towards meaningful patient inclusion.

Patient Advocacy Learning Session, Hyderabad

Nupur was invited as a panelist at a Patient Advocacy Learning Session at the Sanofi Hub, Hyderabad, where she spoke about awareness, cross-sector collaboration and the role of clinical and real-world evidence in strengthening patient advocacy.

Interaction at the Medtronic GCC, Pune

Community members engaging in an open discussion with the Medtronic leadership team at the Global Capability Centre in Pune sharing lived experiences, insights & feedback from the diabetes community 💙

How do you treat a hypo (reel)

We asked people what they use for hypo treatment and their answers were… interesting 🧐 how do you treat low blood sugars? Tell us in the comments!

One change you’ll make for a better A1c? (reel)

Right after our A1c workshop at the Blue Circle Community Centre in Pune, we asked our community:

What’s one small change you’ll make for a better A1c? Improving your HbA1c is about consistent, meaningful steps. Tell us yours in the comments 💙

📢 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 📣

India has the highest number of children with type 1 diabetes and families continue to face late diagnosis, unaffordable insulin and weak support systems. Mid-day speaks to Nupur Lalvani from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, highlighting this urgent issue. Read the article online 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-

🚀 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!

GLP-1s are in the spotlight worldwide but what do they mean for people living with diabetes in India?

Nishtha & Snehal share their lived experiences with these much-talked-about medicines. From managing blood sugars to navigating side effects and affordability, their stories reveal the real-world impact of GLP-1s. Read more on our blog.

🎥 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.

Diabetes Goals 2026 : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we did a new year, day-long chat thread on diabetes goals in 2026. What are you hoping to work on this year, better numbers, more movement, fewer burnouts, or simply being kinder to yourself?

 From health goals to mindset shifts, routines to rest, share what your 2026 looks like. 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!

Living with diabetes in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 : Workshop

Join Prashant 🇭🇰 & Snehal 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Hong Kong - healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across borders.

#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.

Living with diabetes in Indonesia 🇮🇩 : Workshop

Join Anita 🇮🇩 & Snehal 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Indonesia - healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across borders.

#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.

Exams & T1D : Workshop

Join Yash (T1) & Manju (parent of a T1) as they talk about navigating exams while living with type 1 diabetes- managing stress, blood sugars, preparation strategies, and real-life experiences.

#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 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 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-‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

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.‌

‌

Blue Circle Store

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

‌

#FlipTheCalendar February 2026

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring actress & animal lover Aishwarya Sakhuja who has type 1 diabetes🥇

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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

January 2026 set the tone for another year of purposeful action at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We began the year with strong momentum — hosting 13 online and offline events, continuing our weekly free #BlueCircleWorkshops, and expanding in-person community engagement in Pune and Mumbai. Our School Awareness Programs across Maharashtra reached 1,628 students and 63 teachers in 8 sessions across 7 schools this month alone. Over the last 5 months, we have now covered 12 districts, conducted 100 KiDS sessions across 51 schools, and reached 23,680 students and 994 staff, bringing diabetes education directly into classrooms and reducing stigma through awareness.

From strengthening peer support through our Buddy Project Helpline, to new CGM integrations in the Blue Circle Diabetes app, to ongoing advocacy and engagement — the year has begun with clarity of purpose and community at the centre.

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

Come volunteer with us!

12 districts, 51 schools, 24,674 students & school staff, 100 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

Announcement - Blue Circle Calendar 2026

We're thrilled to unveil our 7th edition of the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar for 2026!

Grab yours TODAY: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store

Featuring 12 incredible individuals with various types of diabetes, this charity calendar is a daily reminder that a diagnosis didn't end the journey & with grit and determination we will triumph together! Perfect for your desk, or as an inspiring gift for family and friends! Shipping begins mid-December. For bulk orders, reach out at 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!

Join Anita 🇮🇩 & Snehal 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Indonesia - healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across borders.

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!‌

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 January 2026 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 13 online and offline events in January 2026 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Engaging conversations with our Pune friends 🥗 Stay tuned for online/offline events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India 🌞

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In January 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. Across the month, we conducted 8 engaging sessions in 7 schools, reaching 1628 students and 63 teachers & staff.

In the last 5 months, we covered one third of the state of Maharashtra across 12 districts, reaching 23,680 students, 994 staff in 100 KiDS sessions over 51 schools.

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 September:

1. 2 schools in Darumbre village - Panchkroshi High School & Jilha Parishad Primary School - 6th January

Also see the video below-

2. 4 schools in Adhale Budkruk village - Zilla Parishad Primary School, Samajbhushan Motilal Sharma High School, Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Madhyamik Vidyalay, Divad & Karmveer Vidyalaya - 16th January

Also see the video below-

3.⁠ ⁠Abhinav English Medium school, Narhe - 24th January

Also see the video below-

IDF Webinar

Nupur and Savita shared learnings from the KiDS Maharashtra pilot at the International Diabetes Federation webinar, highlighting how school-based diabetes education can reduce stigma, build psychosocial safety & better support children living with diabetes.

So far, the program has covered 1/3rd of the state of Maharashtra and this is just the beginning! 💙

This map tells a story.As part of the IDF KiDS programme, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation has reached 12 of Maharashtra’s 36 districts, covering one-third of the state, India’s third-largest state by area.

This is about equity - ensuring that children living with diabetes are understood, supported & safe in schools, no matter where they live. Join us in helping schools across the country build awareness, preparedness & compassion for children living with diabetes

Glargine insulin: The Generic Version of Lantus

Did you know insulin has generics? In this short video, Snehal explains what generic insulin is and how glargine is the generic version of Lantus - same active insulin, at a lower cost.

📖 Read our earlier blog on living with diabetes on a budget

🎥 Watch the video

Don’t Skip Your Annual Eye Check if you have Diabetes 💙

When was your last eye exam? If you live with any type of diabetes, Nupur shares a reminder to get a fundoscopy to check for diabetic retinopathy.

Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why annual screening and blood sugar control are key to preventing diabetic retinopathy.

📢 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 📣

India has the highest number of children with type 1 diabetes and families continue to face late diagnosis, unaffordable insulin and weak support systems. Mid-day speaks to Nupur Lalvani from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, highlighting this urgent issue. Read the article online 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-

🚀 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!

GLP-1s are in the spotlight worldwide but what do they mean for people living with diabetes in India?

Nishtha & Snehal share their lived experiences with these much-talked-about medicines. From managing blood sugars to navigating side effects and affordability, their stories reveal the real-world impact of GLP-1s. Read more on our blog.

🎥 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.

#BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar Launch | Live with Princess Padmaja : Workshop

Nupur & Snehal (T1) are in conversation with Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar from the house of Mewar, Udaipur, Rajasthan who also lives with type 1 diabetes as she unveils the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar 2026. You'll also find her on the pages of this awesome charity calendar which features 12 people living with different types of 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.

#BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar Launch | Live with Aishwarya : Workshop

Snehal is in conversation with actress & animal lover Aishwarya Sakhuja who also lives with type 1 diabetes as she unveils the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar 2026. You'll also find her on the pages of this awesome charity calendar which features 12 people living with different types of 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.

Growth Spurts & T1D : Workshop

Join T1 parents, Abhilasha (parent to a toddler) & Kakli (parent to a teen) as they discuss growth spurts and managing type 1 diabetes - covering changing insulin needs, blood sugar variability, hormones & tips on managing everyday challenges during childhood & adolescence.

#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.

Ask Us Anything : Workshop

Join our Ask Us Anything and virtual coffee with Nupur & Snehal 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.

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 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-‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

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.‌

‌

Blue Circle Store

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

‌

#FlipTheCalendar December 2026

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring Padmaja Kumari Parmar, daughter of the House of Mewar & the founder of Friends of Mewar, who has type 1 diabetes🥇

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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

December wrapped up a year of meaningful impact at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

As 2025 came to a close, we looked back at a year of meaningful work - from 88 KiDS sessions across 40 schools in 12 districts, reaching 20,745 students, to strengthening everyday diabetes care through tech and community. December also marked a digital milestone with Libre 2 CGM joining the remaining CGMs available in India in syncing with the Blue Circle Diabetes app via Juggluco, making glucose data more accessible for many.

We continued our focus on complications awareness with retinal health in diabetes events across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Jaipur, and our work was featured in leading publications including The Indian Express, Mid-Day, and India Today.

A fitting close to a powerful year and a strong step into what’s next. Enjoy this edition of the Blue Circle Newsletter 💙

Come volunteer with us!

12 districts, 40 schools, 20745 students, 88 KiDS sessions 💙 What a year! 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

Announcement - Blue Circle Calendar 2026

We're thrilled to unveil our 7th edition of the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar for 2026!

Grab yours TODAY: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store

Featuring 12 incredible individuals with various types of diabetes, this charity calendar is a daily reminder that a diagnosis didn't end the journey & with grit and determination we will triumph together! Perfect for your desk, or as an inspiring gift for family and friends! Shipping begins mid-December. For bulk orders, reach out at 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!

Snehal will be in conversation with actress & animal lover Aishwarya who also lives with type 1 diabetes as she unveils the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar 2026. You'll also find her on the pages of this awesome charity calendar which features 12 people living with different types of diabetes.

Support the NGO by buying calendars and fun diabetes merchandise on https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store

Tune in for this Instagram Live & make sure you follow us to get notified!

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 December 2025 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 26 online and offline events in December 2025 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes – Jaipur Edition

On 18th December 2025, we hosted an interactive event in collaboration with the largest tertiary care public hospital in Rajasthan, SMS Hospital Jaipur – uniting people with lived experience of all types of diabetes, leading doctors & government stakeholders to tackle diabetic eye complications through early detection, awareness & better access to care. See the video-

Kudos to our patient representative speakers for sharing their voices and lived experience. The Jaipur edition is part of our national series to protect vision and improve diabetes outcomes. See photos from the event below-

Healthy potluck picnic with our Pune friends 🥗 Stay tuned for online/offline events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India 🌞

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In December 2025, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation reached out to schools in the state of Maharashtra through a collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation’s KiDS programme. Across the month, we conducted 30 engaging sessions in 19 schools, spread over 7 districts reaching 9860 students and 367 teachers & staff.

Through the year in 2025, we covered one third of the state of Maharashtra across 12 districts, reaching 20,745 students, in 88 KiDS sessions over 40 schools.

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 September:

1. Hutatma Rajguru Vidyalay, Pune - 6th December

Also see the video below-

2. New English School, Pune - 11th December

Also see the video below-

3.⁠ ⁠Vidya Pratishthan’s Bhor English Medium School - 13th December

Also see the video below-

4. Indian Public School, Bhokardhan, Jalna district & Buldana Cambridge School, Buldhana district - 16th December

Also see the video below-

5. Mukul Mandir & Shishu Vihar School in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district - 17th December

Also see the video below-

6. Vivek Vidyalaya, Mumbai - 18th December

Also see the video below-

7. Anand Gurukul, Chikurde & residential school, Chikurde village, Sangli District - 22nd December

Also see the video below-

8. Shri Mangalnath Vidyamandir & Vishwaseva Sainiki Shala, Mangle village, Sangli District - 22nd December

Also see the video below-

9. DV Savargaokar Primary School, Vasantrao Bhagvat Madhyamik Vidyalay & Regal Public school, Ratnagiri District - 26th December

Also see the video below-

10. Sucharita Neelkanth Dhere High School, Devkherki village, Mahadev Shirke High School, Bhom village, Milind High School, Rampur village, Ratnagiri District - 27th December

Also see the video below-

📢 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 📣

India has the highest number of children with type 1 diabetes and families continue to face late diagnosis, unaffordable insulin and weak support systems. Mid-day speaks to Nupur Lalvani from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, highlighting this urgent issue. Read the article online here.

Flying high with type 1 diabetes - sharing practical insights on managing insulin, CGMs, airport security, time zones, food choices, and climate while travelling frequently, often across international borders. Featuring Nupur Lalvani in The Indian Express newspaper reported by Anuradha. Read here.

India Today spoke with our community member Nishtha about being an insulin dependent cricket fan in India and the real concerns around carrying diabetes supplies inside stadiums 💙 📰 Read here.

Our Retinal Health in Diabetes workshop (Jaipur, Dec 18) was featured in a few newspapers 📰 The event united people with lived experience, doctors & government stakeholders to push for early detection & access to eye care 💙

🎥 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!

GLP-1s are in the spotlight worldwide but what do they mean for people living with diabetes in India?

Nishtha & Snehal share their lived experiences with these much-talked-about medicines. From managing blood sugars to navigating side effects and affordability, their stories reveal the real-world impact of GLP-1s. Read more on our blog.

🎥 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.

Habits we're breaking in 2026 : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed the the habits we want to break as we step into 2026!

From procrastinating on blood glucose checks to skipping pre-boluses or exercise - share the patterns you hope to leave behind and learn from others in the community. 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!

Winter & Diabetes : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we swapped notes & practical tips for managing diabetes during winter.

From cold weather insulin behaviour to staying active when it’s chilly, let’s exchange what works for each of us. 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!

Alcohol & Diabetes Guide : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we did an end-of-year, day-long chat thread on drinking safely with diabetes. DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a recommendation to consume alcohol. This thread is for shared community experiences only. We know many of you find asking these questions to your medical professionals uncomfortable or even taboo which is exactly why safe peer spaces like this matter.

From choosing lower-carb options to preventing night-time lows, share what works for you and learn from others. 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!

If your diabetes was a movie : FB Chat thread

We hosted a discussion on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we imagined our diabetes as a movie! If your diabetes was a movie, would it be “Dil Chahta Hai” or “The Pursuit of Happyness”? 

From comedy to thriller to horror, unleash your imagination! 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!

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 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-‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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.‌

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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 December 2025

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring lipstick lover Snehal who has type 1 diabetes🥇

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!

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

November was powerful, packed & full of Blue Circle magic! World Diabetes Month brought community, connection, and impact at every turn. From 5 countries joining our online “Living with Diabetes” workshops (UK, UAE, Japan, Philippines, and India), to fun, relatable Facebook chat threads on festival wins/woes and diabetes-friendly grocery finds, our online community stayed active!

Offline, our reach grew wider than ever with walks, coffee meets in Pune, Mumbai and Dehradun, a special World Diabetes Day event in Imphal, and our School Diabetes Awareness Programme scaling across 5 districts in Maharashtra, 20 KiDS sessions spread over 7 schools, reaching 4,211 students and 189 staff.

Our advocacy travelled across continents with Blue Circle represented in Istanbul, Manila, and Dehradun, and the IDF KiDS-BCDF collaboration was proudly showcased at ISPAD 2025 in Montreal. Back home, we joined an international mental health & suicide prevention conference in Pune, contributed to the CGM white paper

The media spotlight stayed bright too, with coverage in Indian Express, Economic Times Pharma, The Hindu BusinessLine, Mid-Day, and widespread reporting on retinal health in Delhi.

November showed us, once again, what we can achieve together 💙 Enjoy this newsletter!

Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes (Jaipur)

Join us for a free in-person workshop on protecting your eyes while living with diabetes. Learn from leading healthcare professionals, hear real stories, and understand your risks.

📌 Register now: https://forms.gle/C42n5H6CUd2EEEFn8

🗓️ Thursday, 18th Dec, 2025 | 🕙 2PM – 5PM

📍 Library Seminar Hall, SMS Hospital, Jaipur (map link here)

🎯 Open to people with diabetes, families & caregivers, healthcare professionals & government representatives

🍱 High-tea provided

📚 Got questions? Ask on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India

📚 Please note, we will only confirm people who register by filling this form. Once you fill the form, expect a WhatsApp confirmation. If for some reason, you are unable to make it for the event after receiving our confirmation, please let us know (support@bluecircle.foundation) so we can share your seat with the next person in line.

Announcement - Blue Circle Calendar 2026

We're thrilled to unveil our 7th edition of the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar for 2026!

Grab yours TODAY: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store

Featuring 12 incredible individuals with various types of diabetes, this charity calendar is a daily reminder that a diagnosis didn't end the journey & with grit and determination we will triumph together! Perfect for your desk, or as an inspiring gift for family and friends! Shipping begins mid-December. For bulk orders, reach out at 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!

Join us for a special day long thread on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we share practical tips for managing diabetes during winter. From cold weather insulin behaviour to staying active when it’s chilly, let’s exchange what works for each of us. This is a text-only session (no video, just comments) from 9AM to 9PM IST — drop in anytime and add your voice! Open to ALL!

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!‌

‌Celebrating World Diabetes Day

On 14th November, we honour the incredible diversity and resilience within our diabetes community. Each story, every challenge overcome, represents a unique journey of strength and courage. Together, we're not just managing different types of diabetes; we're thriving in spite of it. Let's continue to support, inspire, and empower each other. Here's to the fighters, the survivors, and the champions who make our community so wonderfully diverse and resilient

Feel free to download these images & share them with the world to help spread awareness!

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 November 2025 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 16 online and offline events in November 2025 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Conversations about everything from Pune’s trees to diabetes tips with our friends with all types of diabetes 🌞 🏃🏻‍♀️ Stay tuned for online/offline events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India.

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

Photo from our Dehradun coffee catch-up ☕

💙✨ World Diabetes Day in Imphal! We kicked off a diabetes awareness & screening programme to support awareness & early diagnosis for the community in Manipur. We’re proud to take this movement across India 🇮🇳

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In November 2025, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation reached out to schools in the state of Maharashtra through a collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation’s KiDS programme. Across the month, we conducted 20 engaging sessions in 7 schools, spread over 5 districts reaching 4211 students and 189 teachers & 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 September:

1. SG Barve Nagar Secondary High School, Mumbai - 4th October

Also see the video below-

2. Vadzire English Medium School, Parner Taluka, Ahilyanagar District - 8th November

Also see the video below-

3.⁠ ⁠St Anne's High School, Pune - 11th November

Also see the video below-

4. CS Bhujbal Global School, Shikrapur village - 13th November

Also see the video below-

5. Holy Family Convent School, Igatpuri, Nashik District - 18th November

Also see the video below-

6. 2 schools - Sharwil School of excellence, Neral & Sharwil Global School, Kalamb, Raigad District - 24th November

Also see the video below-

Advocates capacity building workshop, Turkey

Nupur Lalvani represented the community at an advocates’ capacity building program in Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷 Proud to bring the voices of people living with all types of diabetes, alongside advocates from across all health conditions to the global stage.

Event by the Govt of Uttarakhand, Dehradun

Snehal represented Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation at the World Diabetes Day event in Dehradun, hosted by the Government of Uttarakhand NCD Department 💙 The state shared progress from GUBARA Clinics and plans to scale up quality T1D care.

Global Patients Congress, Manila

In Manila, the Philippines, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation had the opportunity to contribute to an important conversation at the IAPO Global Patients Congress. Nupur Lalvani, moderated a powerful session on Making Universal Health Coverage work for patients’ real needs.As a community-led organisation working at the intersections of UHC, NCDs and lived experience, it was energising to see global voices echo a shared truth: UHC must be people-centred or it isn’t UHC at all.

Key reflections from the session:

• Patients are not passive beneficiaries, we are co-designers of stronger, more responsive health systems.

• Financing, access and quality must reflect real-world realities, especially for chronic and lifelong conditions like diabetes.

• Civil society and patient-led groups are essential for accountability, bringing perspectives and solutions institutions cannot deliver alone. Blue Circle remains committed to supporting health systems that listen, adapt, and truly include the communities they serve.

Mental health & suicide prevention conference, Pune

Proud to have Savita represent Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation at an international conference on mental health & suicide prevention in Pune. Our voice, our community 💙

Given the strong intersection between diabetes and mental health, from emotional distress & burnout to stigma, depression, and the heightened risk of suicidal ideation — our lived experience perspective is essential. We’re grateful for platforms that recognise the importance of patient voices in shaping conversations around wellbeing and support.

ISPAD, Montreal

Proud moment! The IDF KiDS pilot in Maharashtra, India implemented with Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, was highlighted at the ISPAD 2025 Conference in Montreal, Canada, showing the impact of community-led diabetes education in schools 💙

Asia-Pacific CGM White Paper

The Asia-Pacific CGM White Paper is out & we’re proud that our community had a voice at the table. Nupur Lalvani contributed to the paper & spoke at the launch event, bringing a patient-centred perspective from India on why CGM access and affordability must be prioritised in a country with one of the world’s largest diabetes populations.This is especially critical in resource-limited public systems and evolving health coverage environments, where advancing CGM reimbursement remains a major challenge.

The White Paper highlights four key recommendations for countries in the region:

1. Prioritise CGM reimbursement for vulnerable groups first, especially people with type 1 diabetes

2. Explore PPPs and private insurance collaborations to pilot and fund CGM programmes

3. Strengthen diabetes registries to generate local evidence and guide targeted CGM rollout

4. Set clear clinical guidelines to ensure safe, effective use of CGM before and after reimbursementWe hope this accelerates progress toward CGM access for everyone in India who needs it!

FIND Lunch & Learn session

On World Diabetes Day, the Geneva based FIND team invited Nupur Lalvani to be part of a virtual Lunch & Learn session in the lived experience panel discussion. Nupur spoke about the theme of this year's WDD, which is Diabetes & Well-being with a special focus on managing diabetes at workplaces.

Meeting young people with T1, Nityaasha, Pune

Nupur, Ashlesha & Radhika from Blue Circle were invited to speak to the young people living with type 1 diabetes from Nityaasha, in Pune. They discussed everything from starting college while balancing T1D to telling colleagues about T1D at a new workplace — honest, relatable conversations the community needs.

📢 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

💡Introducing Food & Diabetes Search — now you can look up any food to understand its impact on your blood sugar! See carbs, protein, fat, fibre, glycemic index, and more at https://www.bluecircle.foundation/food

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 Retinal Health in Diabetes workshop (Bangalore, Sep 5) was featured in a few newspapers 📰 The event united people with lived experience, doctors & govt stakeholders to push for early detection & access to eye care 💙

On World Diabetes Day, The Indian Express featured Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation’s work on how peer support groups help people with (type 1 & other types of) diabetes thrive beyond just insulin & carb counts. Savita, Ovi, Aastha & Nupur spoke about the power of community & why support is as essential as medicine in diabetes care. Read the article here.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Economic Times Pharma takes a look at the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the Indian landscape & how newer formulations are influencing patient care, treatment approaches, & ongoing concerns around costs & access raised by patient advocates. Quotes from our very own Dinyar, Vijendra, Chanchal, Priya, Akshay, Snehal & Nupur from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation. Read the article online here.

As anti-obesity/diabetes drugs flood the market, concerns grow around the access, affordability & side effects. The Hindu BusinessLine quotes Dinyar, Snehal & Nupur, voices from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation on why community-driven conversations on obesity and diabetes matter now more than ever. Read the article online here.

India has the highest number of children with type 1 diabetes and families continue to face late diagnosis, unaffordable insulin and weak support systems. Mid-day speaks to Nupur Lalvani from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, highlighting this urgent issue. Read the article online 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-

🚀 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!

GLP-1s are in the spotlight worldwide but what do they mean for people living with diabetes in India?

Nishtha & Snehal share their lived experiences with these much-talked-about medicines. From managing blood sugars to navigating side effects and affordability, their stories reveal the real-world impact of GLP-1s. Read more on our blog.

🎥 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!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

#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.

Living with diabetes in the UK & UAE: Workshop

Living with diabetes can look very different depending on where you are in the world. Join Abhilasha (parent to a T1 toddler from Dubai 🇦🇪) & Liva (T1 from the UK 🇬🇧) as they share real-life experiences, healthcare systems, and daily realities of managing diabetes in their countries.

#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.

Festival wins & woes : FB Chat thread

We hosted a special discussion on ‘festival wins & woes,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed the best & worst parts balancing blood sugars during the festival season.

Did you manage to stay in range through the festive season or face unexpected glucose spikes? What helped, planning, portion control, ingredients, timing, tech, or pure luck? Let’s share what worked, what didn’t, and what we’ll do differently next time. 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 friendly grocery finds : FB Chat thread

We hosted a special discussion on ‘diabetes friendly grocery finds,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we swapped notes on our favourite finds that don't send our sugars through the roof!

From low carb snacks & sugar free treats to smart swaps - what are your go-to store-bought products in India, whether on Swiggy/Zomato or any online/offline stores? Let’s exchange tips, discover new food brands, and make shopping for diabetes management a little easier. 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!

Living with diabetes in Japan : Workshop

Join T1s, Minako 🇯🇵 & Snehal 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Japan — healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across cultures.

#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.

Living with diabetes in the Philippines: Workshop

Join Leny 🇵🇭 & Snehal 🇮🇳 (both T1s since 23 years) as they talk about living with diabetes in the Philippines - healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across borders.

#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 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!

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 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

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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 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-‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!‌

View this post on Instagram

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- Relaunched!

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

‌

#FlipTheCalendar November 2025

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring badminton lover Madhur 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

October kept us on our toes with community, connection, and impact on the go! Through our school diabetes awareness program, we conducted 9 KiDS sessions across 3 schools in Pune district, reaching 1,687 students and 76 staff with diabetes awareness. Our advocacy travelled across borders as we were represented in Istanbul, Turkey, at a capacity-building workshop, strengthening global learning and collaboration. The Retinal Health in Diabetes series continued its momentum with events in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi, with Jaipur up next! We also launched an exciting new community resource, our Food & Diabetes Macros Search making nutrition easier and more accessible for everyone.

A month full of learning, outreach, and action as we continue striving for awareness and better health for all!

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, Sunday, 5PM IST - free and open to all!

Join T1s, Minako 🇯🇵 & Snehal 🇮🇳 as they talk about living with diabetes in Japan — healthcare access, affordability, awareness, and everyday life across cultures.

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!‌

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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 October 2025 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 11 online and offline events in October 2025 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Morning walks and conversations about everything from saving Pune’s trees to diabetes tips with our friends with all types of diabetes 🌞 🏃🏻‍♀️ Stay tuned for online/offline events on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network India.

Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes – Delhi Edition

Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes – Delhi Edition On 16th October 2025, we hosted an interactive event at the India International Centre – uniting people with lived experience of all types of diabetes, leading doctors & government stakeholders to tackle diabetic eye complications through early detection, awareness, and better access to care.

👏 Kudos to our patient representative speakers for sharing their voices and lived experience.

This Delhi edition is part of our national series to protect vision and improve diabetes outcomes.

📍 Next stop: Jaipur! 🧳

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

Photo from our Bengaluru coffee catch-up ☕

We're now 6!

Thank you to all our friends & supporters!

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In October 2025, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation reached out to schools in Pune through a collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation’s KiDS programme. Across the month, we conducted 9 engaging sessions in 3 schools, spread over Pune district reaching 1687 students and 76 teachers & 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 September:

1. Fazlani International School, Kanhe village, Mawal Taluka, Pune - 7th October

Also see the video below-

2. TSSM's Cygnet Public School, Pune - 10th October

Also see the video below-

3.⁠ ⁠JSPM Jaywant Public School, Pune - 15th October

Also see the video below-

Advocates capacity building workshop, Turkey

Nupur Lalvani represented the community at an advocates’ capacity building program in Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷 Proud to bring the voices of people living with all types of diabetes, alongside advocates from across all health conditions to the global stage.

📢 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

💡Introducing Food & Diabetes Search — now you can look up any food to understand its impact on your blood sugar! See carbs, protein, fat, fibre, glycemic index, and more at https://www.bluecircle.foundation/food

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 voices matter” - Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation’s Nupur Lalvani featured in the Dhaka Tribune, calling for stronger leadership, funding & accountability for NCDs at the UN High-Level Meeting. Read it 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-

🚀 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!

GLP-1s are in the spotlight worldwide but what do they mean for people living with diabetes in India?

Nishtha & Snehal share their lived experiences with these much-talked-about medicines. From managing blood sugars to navigating side effects and affordability, their stories reveal the real-world impact of GLP-1s. Read more on our blog.

🎥 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!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

#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.

Festivals & Diabetes: Workshop

The festive season is upon us! As we dive into the joys of Divali, marked by celebrations, sweets, and indulgences, the challenge of understanding and managing diabetes comes to the forefront. This workshop is designed to equip you with the tools you need to sail through the festivities with optimum health. Join Ketki & Sharda as they offer valuable insights, share delectable low-carb recipes, and recount their personal journeys to strike a harmonious balance between festivity and health 🪔🎉

#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.

Volunteer for Change: Workshop

Join Ashlesha and Savita as they talk about the Blue Circle School Awareness Program and share how you can make a real difference by volunteering with us!

#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.

Worst Diabetes Advice : FB Chat thread

We hosted a special discussion on ‘the worst diabetes advice,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed the worst diabetes advice you’ve ever received.

Was it funny, shocking, confusing, or even harmful? From “just stop insulin” to “try this magic cure,” we’ve all heard things that made us raise an eyebrow. Share your experience — your story might help someone else feel less alone. 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!

Hypo Management: Workshop

Low blood sugars (hypos) can be scary but with the right knowledge, they can be managed safely. Join Nishtha & Shailja as they share practical tips and personal experiences on preventing, recognising & treating hypos effectively. Also, read our hypo guide blog.

#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 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!

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 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

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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 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-‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

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- Relaunched!

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

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#FlipTheCalendar October 2025

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring badminton lover Madhur who has type 1 diabetes🥇

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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!

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

September marked 6 incredible years of Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation - six years of community, compassion & collective action.

The Spirit of September truly shone through as we expanded our school awareness program with 16 KiDS sessions across 5 schools in 3 districts, reaching 3,561 students and 135 staff. Our voices travelled far and wide from representation at the UN General Assembly in New York to UNICEF events in Pune and Mumbai. The Retinal Health in Diabetes series continued strong across Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with Delhi & Chennai next in line! We were also featured in the press multiple times, from advocacy around the WHO Essential Medicines List to calls for a GST reduction on diabetes supplies. A month that truly captured the spirit of awareness, advocacy, and action & a celebration of 6 years of standing strong, together 💙

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!

Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes (Delhi)

Join us for a free in-person workshop on protecting your eyes while living with diabetes. Learn from leading healthcare professionals, hear real stories & understand your risks.

Please note: the date has been revised to Thursday, 16th October 2025 (previously 11th October)

Register now: https://forms.gle/DQKfN75Xe9WxSJmL9

Time: 2 PM – 5 PM

Venue: Seminar Hall 1, India International Centre, New Delhi (map link)

Open to people with diabetes, families & caregivers, healthcare professionals, and government representatives. High-tea provided.

Got questions? Ask on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network – India

Join our #BlueCircleWorkshops led by and for people living with diabetes, Sunday, 5PM IST - free and open to all!

Join Ashlesha and Savita as they talk about the Blue Circle School Awareness Program and share how you can make a real difference by volunteering with us!

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!‌

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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 September 2025 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.

We had 15 online and offline events in September 2025 - see the photos below!

Glimpses from our offline meets

Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF, hosted a special event in Pune to shine a spotlight on childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, asthma, obesity & mental health.

💙 Aishwarya Sakhuja shared her inspiring journey with type 1 diabetes.
💙 The UNICEF team presented key updates and statistics.
💙 Savita highlighted Blue Circle’s community projects, school awareness programmes, and digital support tools.
💙 An insightful panel discussion, moderated by Surbhi (T1), featured Elena (child with T1D), Mini (young person with T2D), Aishwarya Sakhuja (actor & T1), Jyothsna (parent of a teen with T1D), Dr. Mangesh (UNICEF) and Dr. Sajili Mehta (Pediatric Endocrinologist).

This event took place during the Global Week for NCDs, just ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs (25 Sept) in New York, where world leaders would adopt the Political Declaration on NCDs.

✨ Together, let’s ensure no child grows up feeling invisible with an NCD!

Care for Vision: Retinal Health in Diabetes – Bengaluru Edition

On 5th Sep 2025, we hosted a multilingual, interactive workshop at Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research (KIER) – 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 speakers, Ketki & Shakeer for sharing their voices and lived experience.

This Bengaluru edition is part of our national series to protect vision and improve diabetes outcomes.

📍 Next stop: Delhi & Chennai! 🧳

Photos from our Mumbai coffee catch-up ☕

We're now 6!

Thank you to all our friends & supporters!

School Awareness Programs, Maharashtra

In September 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 16 engaging sessions in 5 schools, spread over 3 districts (Pune, Satara and Thane) reaching 3,561 students and 135 teachers & 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 September:

1. Sardar Dastur Hoshang Boys High School, Pune - 1st & 3rd September

Also see the video below-

2. JSPM Cygnet Public School, Pune - 4th September

Also see the video below-

3.⁠ ⁠Sadhana English Medium School, Satara - 20th September

4.⁠ ⁠Amber International School, Thane (W) - 23rd September

Also see the video below-

5.⁠ ⁠PMC School no. 151, Pune - 25th September

UNGA, New York

Nupur Lalvani represented our community at the High Level Meeting on Non Communicable Diseases at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

She was invited to speak on how governments can maximise the impact of their health investments through a whole-of-society approach & how meaningful community engagement has shaped more effective policies, improved service uptake & ultimately delivered stronger health outcomes & value for money. Other speakers at this event were the Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, representatives & Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Japan, Georgia, Thailand, representatives & Ministers of Health from Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Columbia, Sweden, Antigua & Barbuda & other international organisations.She also spoke at other roundtables & panels on the need for embedding lived experience in policymaking & the need for accelerating early detection of cardio kidney metabolic conditions (photo credit Sarah Merians Photography). Also stay tuned for an exciting video & T1D advocacy update that ‘aligns’ with World Diabetes Day soon!For real change to happen, the voices of people with lived experience need to be front & centre.

🌍 Nupur Lalvani was live from New York at the UN General Assembly attending the High-Level Meeting on health. She’s also been speaking at several key side events.

Stay tuned for more updates & tell us in the comments: what would you like to see the Government do to better support people living with diabetes? 🇮🇳

UNICEF event, Mumbai

8-year-old Sanvi, accompanied by her parents as well as Nupur & Snehal, proudly represented our community at a special media sensitization event on childhood NCDs organised by UNICEF in Mumbai.Held in the lead-up to the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in New York next week, the event spotlighted children’s voices through a powerful panel featuring young people living with type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, asthma, and more.Sanvi’s presence was a reminder that children with NCDs deserve awareness, support, and policies that protect their futures.

📢 GST Reform Updates

At the 56th GST Council Meeting today, 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

💡The Active Insulin feature shows you how much insulin is still working in your body. Knowing your insulin on board helps prevent insulin stacking & hypos, supports safer meal timing, reduces mental math, and gives you confidence to stay in range — easing the daily burden of diabetes management.

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

In the News 📣

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added rapid-acting insulin analogues & GLP-1 receptor agonists to the Essential Medicines List, a historic win for people with diabetes. Nupur Lalvani, spoke with Anuradha from the Indian Express about how this decision recognises modern diabetes care as a necessity, not a luxury and why India must move quickly to include these medicines in the National Essential Medicines List.

Also read the article linked here.

Big news for diabetes care! WHO has added rapid-acting insulins & GLP-1 therapies to the Essential Medicines List — a historic win for affordability & access. Pune voices Mandharr, Sandeep, Vikram & Nupur from our community in the Free Press Journal share why this matters for families across India. Read the article here.

A global media telebriefing launched a new report on financing NCDs and mental health. The findings show governments are underspending on essential NCD services and medicines, leaving millions without adequate care. The panel featuring the report author, NCD Alliance, and our own Nupur Lalvani highlighted the urgent need for stronger investment, smarter use of resources & collaboration across government, civil society & patient groups. The Indian Express spoke with Nupur to unpack what this means for India. Read the article here.

Our Retinal Health in Diabetes workshop (Bangalore, Sep 5) was featured in a few newspapers. The event united people with lived experience, doctors & government stakeholders to push for early detection & access to eye care.

Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the world’s most burdensome illnesses, in terms of both their economic and social toll. But by prioritizing early diagnosis and investment in cardio-kidney-metabolic care, policymakers can chart a new path for global health.Read more in this Devex op-ed coauthored by Nupur Lalvani, Dr. Raul Santos, Dr. Navdeep Tangri. Read it 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-

🚀 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!

GLP-1s are in the spotlight worldwide but what do they mean for people living with diabetes in India?

Nishtha & Snehal share their lived experiences with these much-talked-about medicines. From managing blood sugars to navigating side effects and affordability, their stories reveal the real-world impact of GLP-1s. Read more on our blog.

🎥 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!

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#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.

Meethi Baatein

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. See the video-

Living well with Type Diabetes: Workshop

Join Shyam & Rajiv as they share their experiences and insights on living well with type 2 diabetes, from lifestyle to technology.

#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.

Exercise & Diabetes : FB Chat thread

We hosted a special discussion on ‘exercise & diabetes,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed what role movement plays in your life with diabetes, was there a time you discovered a workout that really helped, or moments when exercise felt tough or overwhelming? 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!

Your morning routine? : FB Chat thread

We hosted a special discussion on ‘your morning routine,’ on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India where we discussed how you start your day with diabetes, from first blood sugar checks to breakfast choices, meds, movement, or mindful moments. 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!

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!

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 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

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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 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-‌

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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!‌

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

View this post on Instagram

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- Relaunched!

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

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#FlipTheCalendar September 2025

Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring nature lover Rohit who 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!

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

*Disclaimer : Speak to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regime. This blog is the experience of 2 people living with diabetes & using GLP-1s.

One of the hottest debated topics in the world of diabetes today is the use of GLP-1 medications to manage blood glucose levels and even weight. Better known as Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Semaglutide, these GLP-1 agonists have been in the news for celebrity usage and quick weight loss in non-diabetics.

Some celebrate them as game-changers, others caution against overuse & many prefer to stay silent but whether you welcome or worry about GLP-1s, their impact on diabetes & health conversations today is impossible to ignore.

But how does it work? Is it really beneficial for people living with all kinds of diabetes? And should you consider it?

This blog post will break down the basics of GLP-1 agonists, real experiences, and more.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a natural hormone your body makes in the gut after you eat. Its job is pretty clever; it tells your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises, slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and even signals your brain to feel fuller sooner.

Together, these actions help keep blood sugar steady and reduce overeating.

Scientists have created medicines that copy the effects of this hormone, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. One of the most effective is semaglutide, a drug designed to act like GLP-1 but last much longer in the body than the hormone itself.

If you’ve heard of Ozempic, that’s actually just the brand name for semaglutide when it’s prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic helps lower blood sugar, reduces the risk of certain heart problems, and often brings the added benefit of weight loss.

Snehal's Experience

As someone living with type 1 diabetes for the past 23 years, my insulin needs, appetite, and weight have always been a juggling act. My HbA1c has usually stayed between 6.2 and 7, which is considered excellent control.

This year, during my annual routine tests (read more about routine tests here) I noticed my cholesterol had shot up and I’d started seeing signs of frozen shoulder. I was also 89 kg—overweight for me. My doctor suggested Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) to help with weight management, which in turn would help reduce cholesterol. I started taking a 3 mg dose in April 2025.

Within two weeks, my appetite had dropped almost by half. My daily insulin doses came down too, but at first it was a nightmare to adjust. I wasn’t sure how much I would eat or how much insulin to inject. I tried my “sick day” logic (read the sick day management protocol here)—reduce by 2-4 units and ended up with severe hypos all day (read our hypo guide here). It was draining to say the least. After a lot of trial and error, I figured out what worked for me. My daily insulin requirement eventually reduced by about 35–40 %.

The weight loss was dramatic—from 89kg to 84kg in 2 weeks. But it wasn’t a smooth ride.

I began to feel uneasy in my stomach—queasiness at the thought of food, burps, and a constant nauseous feeling throughout the day. A few sips of Diet Pepsi after meals seemed to calm it. I also tried some home remedies to soothe my tummy, which didn't help much.

By the fourth week, I also started puking a little bile (also called “pitt” in Marathi) in the mornings while brushing my teeth. Some days I skipped my dose because my stomach felt off.

Then came a scary incident. I had an early morning flight (which meant less sleep and travel stress), and things spiraled. I vomited bile at the airport and continued puking throughout the flight. I had skipped Rybelsus that day, but the impact showed. I kept feeling uneasy throughout my trip and couldn't eat anything. I stuck to what felt like comfort food at that point—lemon juice, lots of cucumber, and simple rice dishes like dal chawal or khichdi.

I updated my doctor about my situation, and they advised me to stop Rybelsus for a while; avoid tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, alcohol, and take antacid medication twice a day.

We also decided that it's best I stop Rybelsus a day before travel. I took a break for almost a month after this experience. Do note that the effect of Rybelsus lasts for several weeks even after you stop taking it. When I had to travel early again, the pattern repeated even though I’d stopped Rybelsus the day before. After that, I’ve stopped Rybelsus completely and am waiting to discuss next steps with my doctor.

In 4-5 months, with breaks in between, I lost about 10 kg. I’ve continued to work out 3-4 times a week, and food intake was minimal because of Rybelsus.

Here’s what I’ve figured out so far :

• I was on the 3 mg dose the whole time. I journaled my experience, taking notes of when I had issues and how my body felt. This helped me have better discussions with my doctor.
• Rybelsus definitely suppressed my appetite and helped me lose weight.
• It also slowed my stomach emptying; after restarting after a break, I began noticing late post-meal glucose spikes on my CGM, 3-4 hours after eating. Read our blogs on diabetes tech in India here and see the video playlist here.
• Travelling, lack of sleep, stress, and Rybelsus don't work well for me. They made the nausea/bile episodes worse. I now stop Rybelsus a day before travel to reduce the chance of an episode. Read our blogs on travel & diabetes here and see the video playlist here.
• My alcohol intake has been minimal, but with Rybelsus, I didn't feel like having much alcohol—now just the occasional glass of wine. Surprisingly, I didn't feel like having coffee either, even though I love my Americanos.
• The pill is to be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Recommended wait time before eating anything is 30 mins, but I feel uneasy at 20 mins, so I eat something light like a cucumber or a moong-besan chilla after 15-20 mins. (As discussed with my doctor). PS- did you know you can look up the macros of any food either on the Blue Circle Diabetes app or this link.
• You may also feel constipated as your food intake drastically reduces. Staying hydrated helps. I usually drink 4+ litres of water daily and continue to do so.
• Rapid weight loss can bring its own issues like hair shedding or nutrient deficiencies, so make sure you’re getting enough protein, iron, and micronutrients. 

Everyone’s experience with GLP-1 drugs is different. Many people I’ve spoken to manage the mild nausea with simple home remedies. For me, the side effects were intense enough to need breaks and medical advice.

If you have a history of bloating, burping, or acid reflux, or live with type 1 diabetes like me, keep a close eye on your blood sugars and stomach symptoms.

Work with your doctor, start low and slow, keep a symptom diary, and don’t ignore severe nausea or bile vomiting. Sometimes breaks help your gut recover; sometimes a different approach or dose is needed.

I’m still figuring out what balance works for me. Rybelsus has been a powerful tool, but not an easy one. My hope in sharing this is to give a real-life glimpse of both the benefits and the bumps along the way.

Please remember: Rybelsus, like other GLP-1 drugs, can have additional side effects—including risks such as worsening diabetic retinopathy. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Nishtha's Experience

I live with type 1.5 diabetes and deal with strong insulin resistance as part of my condition. Once I began with insulin therapy—and Metformin continuing—I rapidly put on weight and gained over 30 kgs in four or so years. It became a vicious cycle—I'd put on weight, would have to increase my insulin dosage, which would make losing weight harder. Despite my 5'8" frame, nearly 90 kgs was a problem figure.

No amount of gymming, home exercises, swimming, or beyond would move the needle on my weighing machine. I could live with the weight gain, but it brought along with it the increase in insulin my body needed, as well as the risk of heart disease. That wasn't acceptable to me.

While looking into ways to circumvent this issue, I read up more about "Ozempic". At this point, it was already being touted as the weight loss drug Hollywood swears by, but on reading further, I realised it was meant to be used in treatments for type 2 diabetes. More importantly, I read about the effect it had on the ability to control HbA1c levels and decided to ask my doctor about it. While it's not typically used for insulin-dependent diabetics, doctors can prescribe it to you in case of insulin resistance.

While Ozempic wasn't officially available in India just yet, my doctor informed me Rybelsus, a semaglutide, had been available for close to a decade here. With her blessings, I began using it.

You're expected to be on a 3 mg dose for the first month—also called the wash-in period. A smaller dose helps your body acclimate to the drug better, and the side effects are relatively less intense.

I did deal with acidity, constipation, and severe loss of appetite around the first month. But it was to be expected. The following month—especially after having trained myself to eat better and from time to time—I moved my dose up to 7 mg. A couple of months of this, and I started seeing a marked improvement in blood glucose stability and saw my weight drop.

Next, I moved on to a 14 mg dose after four or so months, and saw my weight go even more rapidly. However, it also suppressed my appetite a lot more and caused several hypoglycemia events. With every change in dosage, I'd have to go back to the drawing board and reassess my diet plans, my basal dosages, and exercise regimen.

Finally, having hit my weight goal of 70kgs—and with worsening hypo symptoms—I spoke to my doctor about dropping back to the 7 mg dose. The idea was now to maintain a plateaued glucose range as well as a weight range.

Over the course of a whole calendar year of going from Rybelsus 3 mg to 7 mg, to 14 mg, and now back to 7 mg, my HbA1c levels dropped from 7.4 to 6.2. Now ranging between 6.6 and 7, my weight stays between 65—70 kgs. A surprising upside to all of this has been that my sleep quality has drastically improved, with deeper sleep for longer being more common now.

Here are some tips I've picked up along the way:

• Keep your medicine strip next to your bed. Have it the first thing on waking up. Do not eat for the next 30 minutes.
• Never miss your dose. If you do, consult your doctor on how to fix the miss.
• Use natural remedies like fennel extract water to soothe your stomach in case of bad acidity.
• Immediately consult your doctor if you feel your acidity symptoms worsening or see side effects not listed in the accompanying leaflet. Always read the leaflet before you begin and if you change your dosage.
• Like Snehal mentioned in her experience, add enough nutrient supplements to your diet. Try to add a fiber supplement and meet your protein goals as much as possible.
• Simply being on semaglutide doesn't mean you can eat what you like. I noticed that excessively rich or oily food would actually make my acidity worse. Stick to your diet not just for the best results, but also to keep acidity symptoms from ruining your day.
• Trust your gut—literally in some cases, too, here. But if you feel like this may not be the solution for you, or if you wish to change your doses, speak to your doctor.
• Do not go overboard with alcohol on semaglutide. Both elements in your body together can reduce your blood glucose levels. Worse, alcohol can irritate your stomach lining. Add to it semaglutide slowing down food digestion, and it makes for a crazy combination. If you have a drink on the regular, you may see a difference in your tolerance levels. We understand navigating alcohol with diabetes can be difficult, see this workshop on the experiences shared by our community. Note- this is not a recommendation to consume alcohol & the video is about sharing experiences, not providing medical advice.
• Drink a lot of water!

Looking back, I don’t see Rybelsus as the thing that "fixed" me, but as something that finally gave me a fighting chance to take charge again. By being able to maintain my blood glucose levels and ensuring my weight wasn't contributing to an increase in insulin dosage, I feel my energy is back.

It’s still a work in progress, but one I feel more in control of now.

Pricing

In India, a strip of 10 tablets of Rybelsus 3 mg costs INR 3,170. For the higher strengths, a strip of 7 mg costs INR 3,520, and a strip of 14 mg costs INR 3,870. Prices vary widely by pharmacy, city, and available discounts, both online and offline—always check current rates locally. At these rates, GLP-1s remain prohibitively expensive for most people living with diabetes in India.

Everyone who needs these medicines should be able to access and afford them, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. Our community, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation along with several others across the globe have been advocating for the inclusion of rapid acting analogue insulins & GLP-1s to the WHO Essential Medicine List to make them more accessible & affordable for whoever needs them. To that end, we delivered a formal statement at the WHO Open Session of the 25th EML Expert Committee on behalf of a coalition of Indian diabetes organisations, in May this year.

By September, the WHO added rapid-acting insulin analogues & GLP-1 receptor agonists to the Essential Medicines List — a historic win for people with diabetes. Read some media coverage about this inclusion in the WHO EML here and here.

FAQs

1. Can people with type 1 diabetes take semaglutide?

Semaglutide isn’t approved for type 1 diabetes, but some doctors may prescribe it off-label for weight or insulin-resistance issues. Always do this under medical supervision, as insulin dosing needs can change quickly.

2. How long does it take to notice results?

Many people see appetite changes within a week or two. Blood sugar improvements and weight loss usually become clearer after a few months.

3. What are the most common side effects?

Nausea, bloating, constipation, and sometimes vomiting. These usually ease as your body adjusts, but ongoing or severe symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.

4. Can I drink alcohol while on semaglutide?

Light drinking is usually fine, but alcohol can worsen nausea and increase the risk of low blood sugar (especially if you use insulin). Tolerance may also feel lower.

5. Is semaglutide a long-term treatment?

Yes—most people need to stay on it to maintain benefits. Stopping often leads to weight regain and higher blood sugars, though the exact plan depends on your health goals.

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

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!

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!‌

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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.

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!

Also see the video below-

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A post shared by Blue Circle Diabetes (@bluecirclediabetesfoundation)

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-

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2.⁠ ⁠⁠SGIS School, Mulshi - 20 August

Also see the video below-

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3.⁠ ⁠⁠Online event for parents of Innovative School - 22nd August

4.⁠ ⁠⁠Shishuvihar Primary School, Pune - 23rd August

Also see the video below-

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5.⁠ ⁠⁠Suryadatta National School, Pune - 26th August

6.⁠ ⁠⁠Yashoda Public School, Satara - 30th August

Type 1 Diabetes Summit, Udaipur

Nupur & Snehal represented our community at the 3rd Udaipur Type 1 Diabetes Summit, hosted by Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar from the House of Mewar, Breakthrough T1D, UNICEF & other partners.

The weekend was spent with fellow diabetes advocates from across India, exchanging ideas, sharing lived experiences & updates, and working together to improve type 1 diabetes care and awareness in the country.

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

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.

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.

🎥 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!

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#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.

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!

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 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)

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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 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-‌

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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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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- Relaunched!

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

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#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 🥇

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