Jerry the Bear today
Jerry the Bear taught kids about diabetes through pretend play. The company behind it, formerly Sproutel, now operates as Empath Labs and focuses on hospital and program work. A new retail bear is often not listed for sale. This page is not affiliated with that maker. Check their site before you assume a bear is in stock.
Rufus and the Bag of Hope
Rufus the Bear with Diabetes is included in the Breakthrough T1D Bag of Hope for many newly diagnosed children 11 and under in the US. It is free through that program, not a store SKU, and it does not connect to a CGM. Ask Breakthrough T1D how to request a bag.
What each bear is for
Jerry was built for pretend play: a child could practice the idea of checks and care on a toy. Rufus does similar teaching and arrives through the Bag of Hope, not a checkout page. GluBear can be a plain plush, or a smart bear that shows the child’s real CGM as lights. Those are different jobs. A family can want pretend play and a live display. One product does not have to do both, and none of them replace the sensor.
If a listing says “official Jerry the Bear” from a random shop, be careful. Buy from the maker or from a program you already trust. GluBear pre-orders are only on myglubear.com. Expected delivery is Summer 2027. Talk to your care team if you are choosing a comfort tool for a child who is still in the first weeks after diagnosis.
If you want a bear you can pre-order
GluBear is a separate company. Plush-only is a soft bear with no electronics. The Launch Bundle adds CGM lights through GluApp. Neither replaces Jerry, Rufus, or a clinic plan. Read the comparison and the FAQ. Talk to your care team about which comfort tool fits.