Mattel has launched its first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, marking a significant step in the brand’s efforts to reflect medical realities and foster inclusivity among children. The new doll, which is part of Barbie’s Fashionistas line, comes equipped with a continuous glucose monitor, an insulin pump, and a bag large enough to carry emergency snacks.
The company partnered with diabetes research and advocacy organisation Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF) to develop the new addition. The move has been widely praised by medical professionals, parents, and the diabetes community for its effort to normalise chronic health conditions and promote broader representation in toys.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, said in a press statement: “Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation. Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”
The doll visibly wears both a glucose monitor and an insulin pump, making it the first mainstream toy of its kind to depict these vital medical devices. According to Mattel, the aim is to “enable more children to see themselves reflected and encourage doll play that extends beyond a child’s lived experience.”
Karen Addington, Chief Executive of Breakthrough T1D UK, expressed delight at the launch: “I’m absolutely thrilled by the introduction of a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes. For children with T1D who don’t often see themselves represented, this doll will be a powerful role model, celebrating their strength and bringing recognition, inclusion, and joy to their play.”
The announcement was accompanied by promotional images on Barbie’s official social media pages, showing the doll with visible medical devices attached to her body.
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin — the hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The condition often manifests in childhood or adolescence, and individuals diagnosed with it must manage their blood glucose levels meticulously and take insulin daily.
The new Barbie, Mattel said, is designed to help children with diabetes feel seen, understood, and empowered — while also fostering empathy and awareness in their peers.
The initiative adds to Mattel’s broader push to expand the diversity of its iconic doll collection. In recent years, the Barbie Fashionistas line has introduced dolls with vitiligo, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, and in wheelchairs — a move that has been lauded for offering a more realistic portrayal of the children who play with them.
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