Barbie is launching its first doll with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel announced on Tuesday. The new doll features a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump, two medical devices that people use, carry or wear when they have Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body doesn’t make any or enough of the insulin hormone.
The legendary toy company teamed up with the global type 1 diabetes not-for-profit Breakthrough T1D to design and bring the doll, part of its Fashionistas line, to life.
“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said in a statement. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like [Type 1 diabetes], we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”
The Mayo Clinic defines Type 1 diabetes as a chronic condition that results when a person’s pancreas creates little to no insulin, the hormone that helps glucose get into cells, where it’s broken down. A glucose monitor allows someone with the condition to keep track of their sugar levels and inject insulin to help their body process glucose.
According to Mattel, Barbie’s continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, is held in place with heart-shaped medical tape in a “Barbie pink” hue that’s paired with a toy phone that displays a CGM app, which helps Barbie track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. Barbie also carries an insulin pump that’s connected to her waist. The doll’s outfit is a matching blue polka-dot top and skirt set with a circle print representing the symbol for diabetes awareness. Barbie also carries a pastel blue purse where she can stash any snacks or Type 1 diabetes supplies she might need.
“We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,” Breakthrough T1D CEO Aaron J. Kowalski said in a statement. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal — it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It’s an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.”
Today there are more than 175 different Barbie looks in the fashionistas range, with various skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types and disabilities. They include a blind Barbie, a black Barbie with Down’s syndrome, dolls with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs, and a Barbie with vitiligo.
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