New anthem from girl band raises awareness of type 1 diabetes after research highlights silent struggle

Four talented teens living with autoimmune type 1 diabetes (aT1D) have come together to form a girl band named “1Type”, Sanofi and Stagecoach Performing Arts have announced.

In response to new research highlighting the significant impact of aT1D on those living with the condition, the group has released an original song called ‘Rise Up’ to empower young people living with aT1D and help them feel less alone.

A recent survey from Sanofi, of 200 UK adults living with aT1D reveals the unseen burden and challenges faced by people living with aT1D and on society at large.

Nearly all individuals (98 per cent) reported that aT1D affects their physical health, 91 per cent saying that it has taken a toll on their mental health.

The condition also affects personal relationships, as a third of individuals have had to explain it to close family members.

Additionally, more than a quarter (26 per cent) believe aT1D is more misunderstood than type 2 diabetes.

Also featured on the track is Duke Al Durham, a UK spoken word poet and hip-hop artist also living with aT1D.

Together with Duke, the band have contributed their own lived experiences to the song’s lyrics creating a meaningful anthem for those living with aT1D.

The song has been released on Spotify under the name 1Type and is accompanied by a music video.

Sanofi will donate an amount matching the profits from song to charities that support people living with aT1D.

aT1D is an autoimmune, complex, and lifelong condition – and it can happen at any age even without family history. 

It can be a challenging disease with lifelong clinical, economic, and emotional unmet needs for patients and families. In the UK, there is a growing prevalence where approximately 400,000 people are living with the disease, including about 32,000 people 19 years of age and younger.

It is known that aT1D is not caused by diet or lifestyle and the causes of aT1D are currently not fully understood.

Researchers are exploring the genes and environmental triggers to understand if they play a part in causing the body’s immune system to malfunction and start attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. In the UK, aT1D is managed through insulin therapy and glucose monitoring.

Research has expanded our understanding of the underlying autoimmune mechanisms of aT1D and has now enabled earlier detection of the disease before symptoms appear. 

Early detection is not currently available on the NHS. Early detection/early identification of individuals at risk for symptomatic Stage 3 autoimmune T1D may prevent traumatic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) through glucose monitoring and allow a softer and safer transition to life with aT1D as they learn about management at their own pace.

Two large scale studies are underway in the UK that test eligible people. You can learn more about early detection through ELSA study and T1DRA study.

1Type Band & Stagecoach students, Ella, Lola-Belle, Olivia and Finely, said: “Creating this song was a powerful experience.

“Sharing our stories through music has been more than we could have hoped for. We hope this song starts a conversation about type 1 diabetes and fosters a sense of community for others living with it.”

Ahmed Moussa, General Manager, General Medicines UK and Ireland, Sanofi, said: “Supporting the aT1D community is a huge priority for us at Sanofi and this project has been very close to our hearts.

“These incredible kids are true rockstars, both on stage and, more importantly, in how they manage type 1 diabetes every single day. We are proud to stand alongside them, amplifying their voices.”

Lisa Stead, Chief Operating Officer at Stagecoach Performing Arts, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Sanofi on this unique project.

“We believe in the transformative power of the arts. This project beautifully demonstrates how music can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and building empathy. 

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity for these talented young musicians to connect deeply over their shared experiences with aT1D and create something they will cherish forever.”

The Diabetes Times Editor Oliver Jelley shared his experience of type 1 diabetes screening here.

Listen to the song here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0X-EIVehRI.