B-Sense — Your glucose. Always visible.

From compatibility check to live glucose in four clear steps.

Inspired by the pioneers of insulin, who sold their patent for $1 to keep access affordable, B-Sense was built with one simple goal: to make glucose visible, affordable, and easy to access.

B-Sense device display Setup flow diagram

Start from your current setup

If xDrip+ and your CYD board are already ready, jump to Step 3. If only xDrip+ is ready, start at Step 2. Otherwise begin with Step 1.

xDrip + CYD ready xDrip ready, need hardware Full setup from zero
Step 1 illustration
Step 1 Time 0-10 min Cost $0

Make sure your phone and CGM can send data to xDrip+. Start with Android or iOS setup, then confirm live readings.

Already using xDrip+? Jump to Step 2. Do not proceed until live updates are stable.
  • No single setup works for every CGM + phone combination.
  • Check official docs, forums, and community groups for your exact model, firmware, and region.
  • Adjust your setup until xDrip+ shows stable live readings.
Go to details below
Step 2 illustration
Step 2 Time 0-10 min Cost $0-8

We do not resell. Choose the exact board model: ESP32 2.8inch touch ST7789.

Already have the CYD 2.8\" touch (ST7789)? Jump to Step 3.

Alibaba

External seller listing. Choose the board with case or without case.

Open Alibaba listing

AliExpress

External seller listing for the board without case.

Open AliExpress board listing

Optional accessory for a framed setup.

Open AliExpress stand listing

B-Sense does not sell the hardware. You can also buy from other stores. The important part is this exact product type: ESP32 2.8inch touch ST7789.

Go to details below
Step 3 illustration
Step 3 Time 5-10 min Cost $0

Great news: xDrip+ and your CYD are ready.

You are very close to seeing your glucose data on the display.

If needed, assemble the display case first.

Then connect the device to a computer with a USB cable, use the Web Flasher to install firmware, and complete first setup (Wi-Fi + timezone).

Open Web Flasher Go to details below
Step 4 illustration
Step 4 Time ~10 min Cost $0-Cloud

Keep it free with Nightscout or use B-Sense Cloud for the hosted path and pro features.

Already have a Nightscout server?

You can start using B-Sense right away for free.

If you later need additional B-Sense access, review the current options.

If you do not have a Nightscout server yet, you can use B-Sense Cloud.

It is a very light Nightscout-style setup that stores only your latest glucose value.

This makes it much cheaper than running a full Nightscout server, and you also get B-Sense Pro.

See current options

You can also choose to set up your own Nightscout server.

Go to details below

Everything you need, all in one place

Step 1 illustration
Step 1

Confirm your CGM works

xDrip+ is an open-source Android app that can receive CGM data via direct Bluetooth, companion-app forwarding, or cloud/follower integration. It is widely used in the Nightscout ecosystem and supports many CGM models.

Do not proceed until your phone receives stable live glucose data.

We strongly recommend selecting the solution that best fits your specific CGM model, phone type, and region. Due to the wide range of devices and firmware variations, it is not possible to cover every configuration in detail.

The guidance below is based on our own testing experience and publicly available documentation, including structured web research. Your setup may require adjustments depending on your device combination.

Android

B-Sense tested with xDrip-plus-20250905-0c3b4ad.apk version.

Download: xDrip release 2025.09.05
Documentation: xDrip GitHub wiki

General setup checklist

  1. Install the APK.
  2. Allow Bluetooth and Location permissions.
  3. Disable battery optimization for xDrip+.
  4. Open Settings -> Hardware Data Source and select your CGM.
  5. Wait for glucose value and trend arrow.
  6. Confirm updates continue for at least 5 minutes.

Common CGM notes

  • Dexcom (G6/G7/One): Dexcom Native or Companion Mode.
  • Libre 1/2/3: Direct / Patched / Juggluco. Compatibility reference
  • CareSens Air: enable xDrip+ in the CareSens app (Manage Data & Connections).
  • Eversense: use companion integration.

If no data appears

  • Bluetooth ON.
  • Location ON.
  • CGM app connected (if using companion mode).
  • Restart Bluetooth, then restart phone.

Support: xDrip GitHub and Nightscout docs.

iOS options

There is no App Store xDrip+ app. Choose one route:

  1. xDrip4iOS (advanced): github.com/JohanDegraeve/xdripswift (self-build or TestFlight required).

Step 1 complete when

  • Glucose value is visible on xDrip+,
  • Trend arrow is visible.
  • Updates continue every 1-5 minutes.
  • No reconnect warnings appear.
xDrip live screen
xDrip app showing glucose and trend

Target outcome: stable live glucose on phone. Then continue to Step 2.

Continue to Step 2 Back to quick cards
Step 2 illustration
Step 2

Choose the ESP32 kit

CYD means "Cheap Yellow Display" (ESP32-2432S028R): a low-cost ESP32 board with a 2.8-inch touch TFT, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, USB power/programming, and microSD support. It is commonly used for compact, always-on display projects.

  • Order the exact board type: ESP32 2.8inch touch ST7789. The no-touch variant will likely also work, but current development is based on the touch model and future touch functions may be used.
  • Case or stand is optional and can be added later.

Where to order

Target outcome: hardware order is placed (or you confirm you already own the board).

Continue to Step 3
Step 3 illustration
Step 3

Assemble & flash

This step installs firmware to your CYD and completes first setup so the device can run on your Wi-Fi.

  1. Open Web Flasher and select the firmware version.
  2. Click Connect, choose your USB port, and confirm connection.
  3. Select Install B-Sense ESP32 + ST7789.
  4. Erase device: recommended for first install. For later updates, keep erase off to preserve Wi-Fi, timezone, and future API settings.
  5. Confirm install and wait until flashing completes.
  6. Set Wi-Fi when prompted.
  7. Click Visit Device and finish remaining settings.
  8. Current required setting is timezone. Later, API settings will also be configured here.

Flasher screenshots

Click any screenshot to open full-size view. Use arrows to navigate the complete install flow.

B-Sense flasher page with version selector and Connect button Choose version and click Connect Device dashboard showing Install B-Sense ESP32 plus ST7789 option Select Install B-Sense ESP32 + ST7789 Erase device confirmation dialog before install Erase device option

Target outcome: B-Sense boots on your Wi-Fi with current firmware.

Continue to Step 4
Step 4 illustration
Step 4

Choose your data path

Decide whether you want the free Nightscout path or the lightweight hosted B-Sense Cloud path, then point xDrip+ to that endpoint.

Nightscout: Nightscout (CGM in the Cloud) is an open-source cloud app that lets you visualize, store, and share CGM data in real time. After setup, it works as a central glucose repository viewable from web, phone, and watch.
B-Sense Cloud: B-Sense Cloud is a lightweight, managed Nightscout-style path focused on what is needed to receive and display glucose values. It keeps setup minimal and includes only the core parts required for daily glucose visibility.

xDrip+ connection summary

Order: get API key first, then configure URL + secret in xDrip+.

Get your API key

  1. Open API Plans and review which access option your setup may need.
  2. Open your B-Sense settings page and generate an API key if you do not have one yet.
  3. Keep this key ready, you will use it as the secret in xDrip+.

Connect xDrip+ to B-Sense (Nightscout)

  1. In xDrip+, open Settings -> Cloud Upload -> Nightscout Sync.
  2. Enable Nightscout Sync.
  3. For B-Sense Cloud: in Base API URL, use https://YOUR_BSENSE_API_KEY@api-b-sense.hismis.com/api/v1/.
  4. For self-hosted Nightscout: enter your Nightscout URL and use your Nightscout API_SECRET or a write-capable upload token.
  5. Save and confirm that glucose values start updating.

The xDrip+ screens are the same for both paths. Only the URL and the matching auth value change. Do not use a Nightscout readable token for xDrip+ upload.

xDrip+ connection screenshots

Click any screenshot to open full-size view.

xDrip settings screen for Cloud Upload setup Open xDrip+ Cloud Upload settings xDrip Nightscout Sync toggle enabled Enable Nightscout Sync xDrip server URL field for Nightscout style endpoint Enter server URL

Target outcome: first live glucose reading appears and continues updating.

Review API access options Open account setup

Get updates and support notices

Share your CGM + phone combination and choose what you want to hear about. We will email you about the topics you select, including when your setup becomes supported.