Abundant April
Join our #BlueCircleWorkshops led by and for people living with diabetes, Sunday, 5PM IST - free and open to all!
Parents of kids with type 1 diabetes, we’re doing a different kind of catch-up this weekend. Let's talk about school + T1D - how you manage, what do you pack for meals, emergency planning, hypos, hypers, taking insulin and testing at school etc. Tell us on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India and let’s create a thread of rich information that can help everyone! This is a Facebook group chat thread (no video, only comments) from 9AM to 9PM India time on Sunday 12th May 2024, so join whenever convenient.
If you would like Blue Circle to organise an awareness session at your school for students & teachers, feel free to download our letter template, email the school/college and cc us on support@bluecircle.foundation
Apply to be an app beta tester!
We have been working behind the scenes, making a big revamp to our Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app, which is an app made ‘by’ and ‘for’ people with all types of diabetes. Come join the cool club of diverse Blue Circle Beta Testers. Read more about the Blue Circle Diabetes app:
See if you fit the eligibility criteria and apply now!
Have questions? Email: support@bluecircle.foundation
Want to be a beta tester? Apply now!
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 April 2024 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.
We had 10 online and offline events in April 2024 - of which we had physical meets in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Jaipur- see the photos below!
Glimpses from our offline meets
After hundreds of online workshops, we recently hosted our very first IN PERSON BLUE CIRCLE WORKSHOP on diabetes in Delhi and it was a fantastic experience! 🌟 With a wonderful array of speakers with lived experience & a diverse audience of people living with all types of diabetes and caregivers, the event was a great success. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, our amazing volunteer team and a special shoutout to Artinci for the low carb snack hampers that everyone devoured! If you liked the hampers, check out more low carb treats on their site & use the code SPECIAL25 to avail 25% off on your orders!
Did you enjoy the workshop? Would you like us to organise more or have feedback to share? Let us know, and stay tuned for in-person workshops in various other cities across India! 🇮🇳 Also tell us what city should we come to next?
Stay tuned to our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India for updates in all cities.
Check out this fun video too-
Friends from our Pune at the coffee catch-up.
Friends from our Mumbai coffee catch-up!
Looks like some fun was had at our Bengaluru coffee catch-up!
Friends from our Hyderabad catch-up!
Friends from our Jaipur coffee catch-up!
WHO meeting on UHC, Geneva
Nupur represented the Global South as part of the civil society constituency at the World Health Organization’s meeting on UHC2030 in Geneva in April. This important event focused on advancing universal health coverage & discussing strategies to ensure equitable healthcare access worldwide so that no one is left behind.
Awards & recognition
We’re thrilled to announce that our NGO and diabetes support group, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation is the winner of the Pathfinder Awards 2024 under the category ‘Patient Advocacy Organization which has contributed to Patient-care’.
Rohan received the award in New Delhi at the International Patients Union Conference.
#BlueCircleWorkshops (online)
Did you know that since the onset of COVID-19, every Sunday we've consistently hosted over 200 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.
Frozen Shoulder & Diabetes: Workshop
Snehal, who has type 1 diabetes is chatting with physiotherapist Dr Kiran Ingle who is also a diabetes rehabilitation specialist. The topic of discussion is frozen shoulder, a common diabetes complication characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
Want to dive into more workshops on diabetes complications? See our #BlueCircleWorkshops complications playlist on YouTube.
#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 Facebook (you can also view on YouTube here)
Summer & Diabetes (in Hindi): Workshop
Sanskruti & Bhavesh, both of whom live with type 1 diabetes discuss the impact of the summers & heat on diabetes management in this workshop in Hindi, because we believe diabetes education should be accessible for everyone, in all languages!
Want to dive into all workshops conducted in Hindi? See our #BlueCircleWorkshops Hindi playlist on YouTube.
#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 Facebook (you can also view on YouTube here)
Meethi Baatein
Dive into the 36th episode of our series, Meethi Baatein, as we spotlight and celebrate the top contributors of our vibrant Facebook community. This time, join Ashlesha, who lives with type 1 diabetes as she chats with top contributor Sudhanshu, who is insulin dependent. Their shared experiences, insights, and stories promise to resonate with many. See the recording here.
Marriage & Diabetes: Workshop
Finding a life partner while managing any type of diabetes is a unique challenge for many in South Asia. In our exclusive closed group workshop, participants who are living with diabetes & seeking partners had the opportunity to connect with others living with any type of diabetes who are also seeking companionship and an understanding partner. It was a fun and interactive workshop!
Want to see previous workshops on marriage & diabetes? See here and here. If you're diabetic & looking for a partner, feel free to introduce yourself & reach out to whoever you're interested in, on our Marriage Thread.
#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!
In the news
Boom Live
Health misinformation is a growing concern in India, especially in the realm of alternative medicine. How does this affect those living with all types of diabetes? Ashlesha Jadhav from Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation discusses the challenges with Yusra from Boom Live sharing her firsthand experiences. Dive into the conversation to understand the impacts on diabetes care in this article.
On a related note, read Madhura's blog on why alternative therapies like Ayurveda are not a treatment or cure for diabetes.
Diabetes Health
In the Diabetes Health Magazine, Sanskruti discusses the importance of asking your doctor pertinent questions about your type 1 diabetes. Read the article here.
NCD Alliance Podcast
Prevention is better than cure! How can governments show true leadership in protecting health for everyone?
Listen to the newest episode of the Voices of the Health Revolution podcast by the NCD Alliance with president Monika Arora, hosted by Snehal Nandagawli, Chapter Lead at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation & Global Diabetes Advocate.
Metabolic Health Conference
Nupur Lalvani was invited to be a speaker at the 2nd Metabolic Health Conference, India organised by the DLife team to talk about her experience of living with with 1 diabetes & doing low carb. See the video below-
New to low carb and need a deep dive? Read our blogs on low carb, and watch our low carb playlist too for videos.
Behind the Scenes - documentary film shooting
Dive into the making of an impactful health documentary by the NCD Alliance. Witness the powerful stories of NCD advocates from our Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation community who are not just surviving but thriving, leading change, and holding leaders accountable 🌍 Set to premiere at the NCD Alliance Global Forum in Kigali later in 2024, this documentary is a testament to the spirit of leadership and community action. Get ready to be inspired by their journey from individual struggles to collective triumphs in the fight against NCDs 🎥✨ See the video below-
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 Nandagawali 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 🩵🤝
Diabetes Awareness with Miss Malini
Malini Agarwal, also known as Miss Malini, is one of the earliest Indian influencers, also a TV host, entrepreneur and author. Miss Malini had a fun chat about diabetes to create awareness among her followers with Nupur, Aishwarya & Megha. See the video-
#BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar 2024
Announcement for the Blue Circle Diabetes 2024 calendar
We are thrilled to unveil our 5th edition of the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar for 2024! Featuring 12 incredible individuals with various types of diabetes, this calendar is a daily reminder that a diagnosis didn't end the journey & with grit and determination we will triumph together!
Our #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is making headlines in the Indian Express newspaper! Featuring 12 inspiring people with various types of diabetes, it's a celebration of resilience and strength. Read our feature here.
Support us by purchasing calendars, magnets & stickers from the Blue Circle Store: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store
Snapshot of the newspaper article
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!
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 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.
Buddy Project Helpline
The Buddy Project Helpline started during Covid19 and continues to be a diabetes & mental health support system & helpline, free of cost and open to anyone with any type of diabetes & their caregivers.
Read more about the helpline & to use the helpline, download the Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app on Android or iOS. Also read about the Blue Circle Diabetes app and all its features here.
Trained volunteer buddies with lived experience of different types of diabetes
The Buddy Project Helpline is our mobile app based psychosocial helpline for diabetes and mental health. Trained volunteers living with diabetes (type 1, type 2 & caregivers), speaking 7 different languages 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
Image: screenshot of how to navigate the Buddy Project helpline on the app
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)
Why should you attend our meet-ups?
Fair question! Check out this post to know why-
Diabetes Humour
Life with any type of diabetes is not easy. Here's a little diabetes humour to brighten up your day. Click the posts below & like, share & comment!
Looking for a partner? Marriage & Diabetes
We understand that a lot of people with diabetes face tremendous difficulties in finding the right partner and getting married. We have received a lot of requests over the years to facilitate a platform to this end. Here's our small effort in that direction. If you'd like to find a partner, or are a parent who would like to introduce their child looking to get married, please introduce yourself on our private Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India.
Marriage and Diabetes
Blue Circle Store- Relaunched!
Check out the adorable diabetes merchandise from the Blue Circle Store and order them now!
Cool new merch- check it out!
#FlipTheCalendar April 2024
Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring people living with all types of diabetes. Ft top voted radio jockey turned emcee, RJ Megha, aka the Energy Bomb 💣 who also lives with type 1 diabetes🥇
Order calendars & adorable diabetes merchandise:
https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store
Blue Circle Blogs
Read our blog here. We write about everything from recipes to people's stories, technology and everything diabetes!
Donate
India's first app, made by diabetics & for diabetics. If you have found the app helpful & would like to help, consider making a small donation of Rs 99 per month: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/donate
Download the Blue Circle Diabetes app on Android and iOS. Click here to read about the app & its features.
Help us build the app better for you!
Thank you to our wonderful community for helping us making the app better for you! We look forward to your generosity to help us rewrite the app ground up! Use the 'New Feature Idea' button on the app to tell us what features may make the app better.
#SugarDetective
Be a #SugarDetective! Come be part of our new campaign! Help spread awareness by sharing hidden sugars in packaged foods. Like Sherlock Holmes said, "you see, but you do not observe". Let's observe what's in our food and share!
#SugarDetective campaign
Put up posts on your social media platforms and use the hashtag #SugarDetective & #BlueCircleDiabetesFoundation (also tag us!) You can also share the post on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India. Once a week, we'll feature a randomly selected Sugar Detective across our platforms. Hurry!
Sugar detectives from our community!
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