Barbie gets a glucose monitor: Mattel unveils first-ever Type 1 diabetes doll
Barbie just got a little more relatable—and a lot more real. In a move that's both heartwarming and a little bit quirky, Mattel has launched its very first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, complete with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin pump, and even a purse for snacks. Yes, Barbie can now check her blood sugar before heading to the Dreamhouse pool party.
The new doll, part of the 2025 Barbie Fashionistas line, was created in partnership with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the world's leading Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy group. Breakthrough T1D is dedicated to funding research, advocating for affordable access to care, and supporting individuals and families affected by Type 1 diabetes. Their collaboration with Mattel ensured that the doll's design authentically reflects the real experiences of people living with T1D, right down to the Barbie-pink, heart-shaped medical tape holding her CGM in place and the insulin pump clipped to her waist.
Barbie's outfit is a nod to global diabetes awareness, featuring a blue polka-dot top and skirt with a circle motif—an international symbol for diabetes. She even comes with a toy phone displaying a CGM app, showing 'real-time' blood sugar data, and a pastel blue purse that's just the right size for emergency snacks or diabetes supplies. The blood sugar readings on Barbie's phone were carefully chosen to reflect the real-life highs and lows of living with Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means people with T1D must carefully monitor their blood sugar and rely on insulin therapy for life. The latest global data shows there are about 9.5 million people living with Type 1 diabetes in 2025, with nearly 1.85 million under the age of 20.The disease is on the rise worldwide, especially in children and adolescents, and it requires constant management to prevent serious health complications.
The doll's debut was the talk of the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress in Washington, D.C., where 170 young delegates living with T1D from around the globe gathered to advocate for research and share their stories. For many, seeing a Barbie that looks like them—medical devices and all—was more than just a toy; it was a validation. Emily Mazreku, Breakthrough T1D's director of marketing strategy (and a person living with T1D herself), shared, 'Living with type 1 diabetes involves experiencing highs and lows—both emotionally and physically. We wanted Barbie to reflect that reality in a way that's empowering and visible for kids everywhere.'
Barbie's new look is also getting a celebrity boost. Model Lila Moss and fitness trainer Robin Arzon, both living with Type 1 diabetes, have been named as ambassadors for the doll, showing that T1D is no barrier to living fabulously.Mattel's Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, summed up the mission: '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.'Mattel's Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, summed up the mission: '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 new Barbie is available for $10.99 and is already inspiring kids (and adults) to embrace their differences—one insulin pump at a time.Because in Barbie's world, representation isn't just fashionable—it's essential.
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