A new music initiative is raising awareness of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes (aT1D), a condition that affects around 400,000 people in the UK — including 32,000 under the age of 19.

Sanofi has partnered with Stagecoach Performing Arts to form 1Type, a girl band composed of four teenagers living with aT1D. The group’s debut single, Rise Up, shares the lived experience of managing the condition and aims to build community among young people affected by the disease.

The initiative follows recent survey findings from Sanofi that highlight the broader burden of aT1D. Nearly all respondents (98%) said the condition impacts their physical health, and 91% said it takes a toll on their mental wellbeing. Many also felt the disease was widely misunderstood, especially in comparison to Type 2 diabetes.

Accompanying the group on the track is UK spoken word artist Duke Al Durham, who also lives with aT1D. The song is now available on Spotify, and Sanofi will match its proceeds with donations to relevant charities.

aT1D is a complex, autoimmune disease with no known link to diet or lifestyle. Though often diagnosed in childhood, it can occur at any age. Management typically involves lifelong insulin therapy and continuous glucose monitoring.

“Supporting the aT1D community is a huge priority for us,” said Ahmed Moussa, general manager, general medicines UK and Ireland at Sanofi.

“These incredible kids are true rockstars, both on stage and in how they manage Type 1 diabetes every day.”

The project also aims to spotlight early detection. Though not yet available via the NHS, research has shown that identifying at-risk individuals before symptoms appear could help reduce complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and allow for a gentler introduction to disease management. Ongoing studies such as ELSA and T1DRA are currently exploring these pathways in the UK.