# Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes

> Interactive game for children to learn type 1 diabetes management through play. (iPhone/iPad app by Empath Labs Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rufus-the-bear-with-diabetes/id1550122663 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Empath Labs Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/992233322)
- Category: Games, Health & Fitness, Family, Simulation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.51/5 from 41 App Store ratings · 18 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 1.0 GB
- Languages: English, French, Spanish
- Released: 2021-11-04
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rufus-the-bear-with-diabetes/id1550122663/reviews.md

## What is Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes?

Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes® powered by Breakthrough T1D™ is a best friend for children with type 1 diabetes.

By taking care of Rufus, this app enables children to gain hands-on experience with diabetes management through play! Kids can feed Rufus foods, administer insulin using a pen or a pump, and check Rufus’ blood sugar.

Rufus the Bear provides comfort and education in a safe environment by focusing on Rufus’ simulated diabetes.

FEATURES
• Practice diabetes basics by caring for Rufus.
• Check Rufus’ blood sugar with a glucometer, test strips, and lancet.
• Prepare Rufus’ insulin pen and dial a dose of insulin.
• Activate Rufus’ infusion site to use the insulin pump.
• Rufus’ Kitchen! Explore carb values in a variety of foods in the pantry and prepare a plate of food for the hungry bear!
• Learn about the effect of carbohydrates and insulin on Rufus’ body.
• Rufus’ Stories! Follow along as Rufus learns new sports and activities to compete in the All Star Games with 21 animated storybooks.
• Tasks with Navi. Check in with Navi, Rufus’ trainer, to unlock Rufus’ stories by completing a set of tasks to help take care of Rufus’ diabetes!

ABOUT RUFUS
Rufus the Bear has provided comfort and companionship to newly diagnosed children with T1D for 25 years. He has helped tens of thousands of kids (and parents) be brave as they learn a world of finger pricks and shots.

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures.  Along with your new friend Rufus, we offer information, resources and tools to help you take on the challenges of T1D and live healthier and happier.  

Since 2021, we have partnered with Empath Labs to bring you a mobile app for an educational and interactive Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes powered by Breakthrough T1D.

Rufus the Bear is a free app to help children and families with type 1 diabetes. To enhance play and learning, this app can be used with a companion stuffed animal!

Through the generous support of our community and corporate partners, Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes powered by Breakthrough T1D is provided free of charge in every Bag of Hope given to newly diagnosed children with T1D.

We recognize that some parents and children who have already received our classic furry friend may want to add a new Rufus to their family! We have limited numbers available for purchase on the Breakthrough T1D Store.

PRIVACY POLICY
https://www.sproutel.com/rufus/privacy

ABOUT EMPATH LABS
Empath Labs is a patient-centered research and development company focused on kids' health. For 12 years, Empath Labs has worked closely with the T1D community to help improve the lives of newly diagnosed children, focused on bringing comfort and joy through interactive play.

## Key features

- Practice diabetes management basics
- Check simulated blood sugar
- Administer virtual insulin
- Explore food carb values
- Read animated storybooks
- Complete care tasks

## Recent user reviews (10 of 18)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rufus-the-bear-with-diabetes/id1550122663/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Love it

*2026-03-07, version 1.1.2*

It’s so cute! I’m someone with diabetes and I love Rufus the bear!

### 5/5 — Pls

*2026-03-03, version 1.1.2*

OK, so I love the app, but can you please come out with the Dexcom G7 on the app? I think that would be really cool bye

### 5/5 — Éducatif

*2025-09-19, version 1.1.2*

C’est bon pour les enfants avec le diabète de type 1

### 5/5 — It’s a really fun app

*2025-07-30, version 1.1.2*

It’s supports me and I feel motivated when I use it. I feel great with him.

### 5/5 — Why I love this!! Please read

*2025-07-03, version 1.1.2*

I am in love with this as a diabetic this has helped me so much and gave me so much support, thank you for this app

### 5/5 — AHHH LOVE ITTY

*2025-04-06, version 1.1.2*

im 10 years old, got diagnosed with t1d a few months ago, the doctors gave me rufus, and i got so happy! then i figured out there was an app that goes with him and i LOOOOVEEE this app!

### 5/5 — Kenna age 10

*2024-12-22, version 1.1.2*

I was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago. A couple of months after I was diagnosed, I started feeling really discouraged.😔 to cheer me up, my dad went to the store to try to buy me something that would be helpful. He had picked out a teddy bear named Rufus and he showed me how to do finger pricks and shots. I was so overjoyed to see that I wasn’t the only one who had diabetes! One day, I was playing chess with Rufus, and I heard my dad calling my name “Kenna, this app is for you.” He said “you can now do finger pokes and shots on my phone without me having to worry about it.’’ Rufus the bear with diabetes will always have a special place in my heart ♥️. I hope this app is helping.

### 5/5 — Thank you for COURAGE

*2024-08-27, version 1.1.2*

I got Diabetes (type 1) a year and 2 months ago. Funny enough, I got diagnosed on National Diabetes Day! I love using my Breakthrough Diabetes Rufus Bear, and giving him shots on my phone! Thanks for COURAGE and have a good day!

### 4/5 — Lindsey age 10

*2024-07-06*

I was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago. A couple of months after I was diagnosed, I started feeling really discouraged.😔 to cheer me up, my dad went to the store to try to buy me something that would be helpful. He had picked out a teddy bear named Rufus and he showed me how to do finger pricks and shots. I was so overjoyed to see that I wasn’t the only one who had diabetes! One day, I was playing chess with Rufus, and I heard my dad calling my name. “Lindsey, this app is for you.” He said “you can now do finger pokes and shots on my phone without me having to worry about it.’’ Rufus the bear with diabetes will always have a special place in my heart ♥️. I hope this app is helping.

### 5/5 — Chips

*2024-05-23, version 1.0.3*

I like eating

## Frequently asked questions about Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes

### What does Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes do?

This app allows children with type 1 diabetes to practice managing their condition in a safe and playful environment. Users can care for a virtual bear named Rufus by feeding him, administering insulin, and checking his blood sugar levels, helping them gain hands-on experience.

### What are the key features of the app?

Key features include practicing diabetes basics by caring for Rufus, checking his simulated blood sugar with a glucometer, preparing and administering insulin via pen or pump, exploring food carb values in Rufus' Kitchen, and reading animated storybooks in Rufus' Stories.

### Is Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes free to use?

Yes, Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes is provided free of charge. It is made available through the support of its community and corporate partners, often distributed in 'Bags of Hope' for newly diagnosed children.

### What is the purpose of the app?

The app aims to provide comfort and education to children with type 1 diabetes by simulating diabetes management scenarios. It helps children and their families learn about finger pricks, shots, and the effects of carbohydrates and insulin in an interactive and engaging way.

### Can I use this app with a physical toy?

Yes, the app can be used with a companion stuffed animal of Rufus the Bear to enhance play and learning. This allows for an even more immersive experience as children interact with both the virtual and physical representation of Rufus.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.2 — 2024-07-16

Adventure awaits in Rufus' World! This update includes a few bug fixes for an enhanced experience.

### 1.1.1 — 2024-06-06

Adventure awaits in Rufus' World! This update includes a few bug fixes for an enhanced experience.

### 1.1.0 — 2024-06-05

This update includes various improvements for a better user experience.

### 1.0.3 — 2023-07-10

This update includes various improvements for a better user experience.

### 1.0.2 — 2022-03-07

We fixed some minor bugs, including one of Navi’s tasks that had a mistake!

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## More apps by Empath Labs Inc.

- [My Special Aflac Duck](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-special-aflac-duck/id1361727874)
- [Clinical Companions: My Friend](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clinical-companions-my-friend/id1668246386)

All apps by Empath Labs Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/992233322

## Related topics

[rufus](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/rufus) · [type 1 diabetes games](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/type-1-diabetes-games) · [diabetes app game](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/diabetes-app-game) · [diabetes game](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/diabetes-game) · [breakthrough t1d](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/breakthrough-t1d) · [understanding type 1 diabetes](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/understanding-type-1-diabetes) · [level 1 a diabetes game](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/level-1-a-diabetes-game)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*
