December Dialogues
Join our #BlueCircleWorkshops led by and for people living with diabetes, Sunday, 5PM IST - free and open to all! This weekend, Snehal chats with Megha and Aishwarya on Instagram Live, click here to make sure you follow us & tune in!
Also, we are excited to make a new announcement! You asked, we listened. Introducing in-person #BlueCircleWorkshops - totally free as always! We’ve had a great run with hundreds of online workshops since the Covid-19 pandemic, and now we’re adding an offline touch.
Imagine a space for learning, sharing, and asking questions without judgement. We’re thrilled to bring you this new experience. Stay tuned for more details and we CAN’T WAIT to see you in Mumbai this weekend (register here) and Pune the next weekend (register here) ✌️
Apply to be an app beta tester!
We have been working behind the scenes, making a big revamp to our Blue Circle Diabetes mobile app, which is an app made ‘by’ and ‘for’ people with all types of diabetes. Come join the cool club of diverse Blue Circle Beta Testers. Read more about the Blue Circle Diabetes app:
See if you fit the eligibility criteria and apply now!
Have questions? Email: support@bluecircle.foundation
We have several upcoming events in the next few weeks, join us! Stay tuned for upcoming virtual and physical events in your cities & don't miss the chance to meet other friends & families with diabetes! Any questions? Ask away on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India and head to the 'Events' section on the group to RSVP for events you want to share or attend!
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 2023 at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation.
We had 14 online and offline events in December 2023 - of which we had 8 physical meets in Pune, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur - see the photos below!
Glimpses from our offline meets
Our Pune friends clearly had a good time at the Blue Circle rock climbing. Stay tuned to our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India for updates in all cities.
See the video from Pune here-
Our Delhi friends had a fun coffee catch-up. Stay tuned for the next one!
Looks like some fun was had at our Ahmedabad coffee catch-up!
Friends from our Jaipur coffee catch-up!
Friends from Mumbai at the coffee catch-up.
Friends from our Kanpur chai pe charcha!
Friends from our Bengaluru coffee catch-up!
Friends from our Hyderabad coffee catch-up!
ACCISS Study Multi-stakeholder Meeting, Amsterdam
Nupur represented the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation community as a panelist at the ACCISS Study Multi-stakeholder Meeting in Amsterdam earlier this month. The meeting focused on key issues surrounding access to insulin and diabetes supplies in the post-centenary era. With discussions based on a strong evidence base accumulated over nine years, it was a crucial platform for addressing global and national challenges in diabetes care, advancing towards closing access gaps & joining forces for sustainable change in diabetes management for everyone, everywhere!
Walk the Talk Webinar, NCD Alliance
Recently, we had the privilege of participating in the third 'Walk the Talk' webinar hosted by the NCD Alliance. This impactful session was dedicated to the meaningful involvement of people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Nupur took the lead as the chair and moderator, guiding the conversation. The webinar was not just informative but also a testament to the importance of including voices of those directly affected by NCDs in shaping health policies and programs.Together, we're strengthening our commitment to advocate for comprehensive and inclusive health coverage. Let's keep pushing for change and making our voices heard!
#BlueCircleWorkshops (online)
Blue Circle Workshops are online weekend workshops, led by people living with various types of diabetes. By the people and for the people with diabetes! These workshops are free and open for all, even non diabetics. We started these workshops in 2020 and have conducted over 200 educational, informative & fun workshops yet. 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!
Carb Counting: Chat Thread
Let's talk carb counting - do you know what it is, how to do it, what challenges do you face, any tips you'd like to share? Tell us on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India. This was a Facebook group chat thread that you can read through here.
Want to know more about low carb? Read all our low carb blogs and see our low carb 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!
Drinking & Diabetes: Workshop
Navigating alcohol consumption with any type of diabetes can be challenging. Snehal & Gilmerio, who both live with type 1 diabetes, will share their personal tips and insights on managing alcohol consumption responsibly and safely. Disclaimer- this is not a recommendation to consume alcohol. As the party season approaches, if you choose to drink and are of legal drinking age, it's crucial to do so responsibly. Remember, our session is about sharing experiences, not providing medical advice. Stay informed and stay safe!
#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) -
Climbing beyond diabetes: Workshop
Nupur chats with Jerry Gore, a professional expedition mountaineer and ex Royal Marine. Jerry is unique for being the only person with type 1 diabetes to pioneer new routes on six continents!
Want to dive into older workshops? See our #BlueCircleWorkshops 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 32nd episode of our series, Meethi Baatein, as we spotlight and celebrate the top contributors of our vibrant Facebook community. This time, join Ameya, living with type 1 diabetes as he chats with top contributor Rajiv, living with type 2 diabetes. Their shared experiences, insights, and stories promise to resonate with many. See the recording here.
Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar unveils the #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar 2024: Workshop
Nupur, living with T1 was 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 2024 on this Instagram Live. 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 live on Instagram (you can also view on YouTube here) -
Diabetes Review 2023: Chat Thread
Share with the community how 2023 was for you, diabetes wise- were there any challenges, successes, tips, questions or comments you. Tell us on our Facebook community, Diabetes Support Network - India. This was a Facebook group chat thread that you can read through here.
#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
In the Diabetes Health Magazine, Senthil discusses the importance of knowing your type of diabetes 💊💉 Read here.
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
#BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar 2024
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!
Perfect for your desk, or as an inspiring gift for family and friends! Meet our 12 amazing calendar stars living boldly with various types of diabetes. Shipping begins mid-December! For bulk orders, reach out at support@bluecircle.foundation
Grab yours TODAY: https://www.bluecircle.foundation/store
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.
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.
Blue Circle Store- Relaunched!
Check out the adorable diabetes merchandise from the Blue Circle Store and order them now!
#FlipTheCalendar December 2023
Sound on and time to #FlipTheCalendar! The #BlueCircleDiabetesCalendar is a fun calendar featuring people living with all types of diabetes. Ft Snehal who loves all forms of dancing 💃 & 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.
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!
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!
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
