Mattel introduces first Barbie with type 1 diabetes
(WJW) – The first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes is making her debut, the toy giant Mattel, Inc. announced on Tuesday.
The company shared a first look at the newest Barbie, featuring a blue polka dot dress for diabetes awareness, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm and an insulin pump.
Mattel said the latest edition helps young children with diabetes to see themselves in Barbie 'and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child's own lived experience.'
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'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 press release. '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.'
Barbie partnered with the organization Breakthrough T1D to bring the new doll to life (figuratively). The organization focuses on research to help speed up breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes treatment and prevention.
Company officials said they worked closely with Breakthrough T1D to make sure the new Barbie best represents people with the condition.
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Barbie also donated dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress, an event that brings 170 children with type 1 diabetes to meet with congress members, the release said.
Mattel officials said the new Barbie dolls are already available online and in retail stores across the country.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, type 1 diabetes, diagnosed in both children and adults, is 'a chronic autoimmune disease that prevents your pancreas from making insulin.' It is considered one of the most common chronic diseases to affect kids in the United States.
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