Type 1 Girlband (pictured above)
A new girl band, whose teenage members all live with type 1 diabetes, have released a song detailing the challenges faced by those managing the condition.
What is it like to live with type 1 diabetes as a young person? Four talented teens share their experiences of the condition in a unique way: by forming a girl band and releasing a pop song about the challenges they face.
Raising type 1 diabetes awareness through music
Teenagers Ella, Lola-Belle, Olivia and Finley share a passion for performance. They have something else in common, too: they all live with autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) and, although they admit that life has sometimes been a struggle for them, they refuse to let the condition stop them from doing what they love most.
That includes being crowned members of a new girl band, called 1Type, then co-writing and recording an anthem, Rise Up, which was released on May 29. An amount matching the profits from the song will be donated to charities that support people living with type 1 diabetes.
The band is the brainchild of global healthcare company Sanofi and Stagecoach Performing Arts and was brought together through a UK-wide audition process. The song — featuring Duke Al Durham, a UK spoken word poet and hip-hop artist, also living with type 1 diabetes — is a response to a recent survey from Sanofi, which reveals the unseen burden and challenges caused by T1D.
An amount matching the profits from the
song will be donated to charities that
support people living with type 1 diabetes.
Rockstars on stage — and in how they manage their condition
For example, 91% of survey respondents said the condition has had some impact on their mental health. Although, mental health and wellbeing were bigger factors for young people (56%) compared with older age groups (44%). Younger adults (aged 18–34) also said they were keen to dispel myths about the causes of type 1 diabetes and would like more understanding and support in social situations.1
“Supporting the T1D community is a huge priority for us at Sanofi,” says Ahmed Moussa, General Manager, General Medicines UK and Ireland. “These incredible kids are true rockstars, both on stage and, more importantly, in how they manage type 1 diabetes every day. We are proud to stand alongside them, amplifying their voices.”
Music empowers voices of those with type 1
For Ella, Lola-Belle, Olivia and Finley, it was important to contribute to the song in a personal way, and not just sing words written for them. That’s why working on the lyrics with Duke Al Durham was such a meaningful part of the process. “Sharing our stories through music has been more than we could have hoped for,” they say. “We hope this song starts a conversation about type 1 diabetes and fosters a sense of community for others living with it.”
This project, the band and all assets associated with this band were initiated, organised, sponsored and funded by Sanofi. The song ‘Rise Up’ was co-written by the band members, Studio Salamanca and Duke Al Durham. Sanofi is licensing the song and will not make any profits from the song. By listening to ‘Rise Up,’ you’re directly supporting charities that support people living with T1D, as Sanofi will match the profits from the song with a donation to such charities.
MAT-XU-2502306 v1.0 June 2025
[1] Sanofi UK (2025). Perceptions of living with Type 1 Diabetes for Adults in the UK.
