Mattel releases first ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes and it's available now
Children with type 1 diabetes will now be represented in Barbie world thanks to Mattel's latest release. The toymaking giant has launched its first ever version of the legendary doll that has the condition.
Today, July 8, Mattel announced that the new Barbie aims to expand representation and inspire children with type 1 diabetes. The toy company partnered up with Breakthrough T1D, the leading global advocacy and research organisation for type 1 diabetes, to create the doll.
The newest Barbie Fashionista will allow children with the condition to finally see themselves represented in the world of this iconic toy - and it even comes with the equipment these kids will use themselves.
Type one diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. It is managed with insulin therapy and comes with risks of either short and or long-term complications.
Barbie collaborated with Breakthrough T1D to accurately reflect the medical equipment often used by those with this condition, including an insulin pump on the doll's waist and a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), which the new Barbie wears on her arm.
'Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,' said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls.
'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 newly unveiled Barbie Fashionistas doll with type 1 diabetes is now available online at Mattel Shop, and is available on Amazon for £13.99. It is also available online at Walmart.
The details of this new doll have been planned in great detail to raise diabetes awareness all the way down to her outfit, which consists of a matching blue polka dot skirt and top.
The colour blue and circular print were inspired by global symbols that represent diabetes awareness. She even has a matching blue bag to store her medication.
It comes as part of Barbie's ongoing partnership with Breakthrough TD1, where they also donated dolls to the diabetes organisation's 2025 Children's Congress in the US.
'We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,' said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D.
Aaron has lived with T1D since he was 13, and his brother has had the condition since he was 3. He said the partnership with Barbie was deeply personal, and he is grateful to be part of bringing greater visibility to this condition that affects so many families.
He continued: "It's an honour 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.'
Lilly Moss, Kate Moss' model daughter who has the condition, was presented with the new doll during its launch, which she described as 'surreal'.
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