Latest news with #AaronKowalski
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Barbie launches first doll with type 1 diabetes
Mattel has released its first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, expanding its Fashionistas line to include more medically inclusive representations. The new doll features a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) worn on her arm with a heart-shaped patch, an insulin pump attached at her waist, and a smartphone displaying a glucose-tracking app. -Mattel She also comes with a pastel bag meant to hold snacks and diabetes supplies. The doll wears a blue polka-dot dress, a nod to the universal color for diabetes awareness, and is priced at approximately $10.99. It was created in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, a leading nonprofit focused on type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. Krista Berger, Senior Vice President at Barbie and Mattel, said the launch is meant to help children see themselves reflected in the toys they play with. She emphasized that representation in early childhood can lead to greater self-confidence and empathy. Medical professionals and advocates have praised the move. Leaders from Breakthrough T1D, including CEO Aaron Kowalski and UK ambassador Karen Addington, highlighted how this release helps normalize diabetes equipment and routines, potentially reducing stigma for children living with the condition. This doll joins a broader effort by Mattel to diversify its product line. Since 2019, the Fashionistas collection has featured dolls with physical disabilities, prosthetics, skin conditions, and a wide range of body types and backgrounds.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Barbie Doll With Type 1 Diabetes Added To Fashionistas Line
Barbie Fashionistas doll line Mattel, the makers of the world-famous Barbie doll line has today announced the addition of a Barbie with Type 1 diabetes to its diversity-focused Fashionistas line. The brand-new Barbie sports several key features that are uniquely identifiable with folks living with type 1 diabetes, including a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, which measures blood-sugar levels connected to an app on her phone. There is also an insulin pump attached to her waist and a special purse accessory that Barbie can use to carry essential medical supplies and snacks on the go. The doll's stylish polka dot outfit, featuring blue and circle print, serves as a symbol associated with global diabetes awareness. Type 1 diabetes is distinct from Type 2 in so far as patients with Type 1 diabetes have a complete inability to produce insulin requiring paraphernalia such as that used by Barbie and is often diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is more commonly diagnosed in older adults and may be managed with oral medication and lifestyle changes alone. Barbie with Type 1 diabetes To get these details right, Mattel teamed up with the non-profit Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF) a leading research and advocacy organization working towards better outcomes for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes. Commenting on the partnership, Breakthrough T1D's CEO Aaron J. Kowalski said in a media release, 'We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes. '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.' Doll play can be a crucial element in child development, as it fosters social skills, empathy, imagination, communication, problem-solving and creativity. This is something well-recognized by Krista Berger Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel who said of the new doll's launch, '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.' This has been the core ethos behind the hugely diverse Fashionistas line which over the years has spawned a wheelchair Barbie and Ken doll, a Barbie with a prosthetic limb and a doll with hearing aids. The line also features dolls with traits such as alopecia and vitiligo (discolored patches on the skin). Last year saw the launch of blind Barbie complete with a white cane accessory and a black Barbie with Downs Syndrome. As part of its latest launch, the Barbie brand is set to honor the diabetes community with the release of two one-of-a-kind dolls modeled on celebrated global diabetes advocates. Robin Arzón is a U.S.-based Peloton Head Instructor who also serves as the company's Vice President of Fitness Programming whilst British model Lila Moss (the daughter of former supermodel Kate Moss) has also captured public attention in sharing the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes. Just like the real-life luminaries, it is hoped that the new doll will provide comfort to children diagnosed or already living with this challenging condition as well as raise awareness amongst those without that direct experience.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Breakthrough T1D Joins Diabetes Leaders at the American Diabetes Association 85th Scientific Sessions to Highlight Research Advancements
NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, gathered with researchers, diabetes professionals, and other leaders in T1D at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions, where Breakthrough T1D scientists, clinicians, and Breakthrough T1D-funded researchers presented research results and led crucial conversations that will improve the lives of people with T1D while driving toward cures for the disease. Held June 20-23 in Chicago, Illinois, the ADA Scientific Sessions is one of the largest diabetes conferences in the world. Breakthrough T1D-supported research has been highlighted at this annual event since the organization started funding research in the 1970s. "The American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions highlights the latest advancements in type 1 diabetes research and treatments from the brightest minds in the field and demonstrates the tremendous progress being made on the path to cures for the disease," said Breakthrough T1D CEO Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D. "While we know that the burden of living with type 1 diabetes is substantial, I'm encouraged each year by the collective innovation and commitment presented at the conference. As the leader in type 1 diabetes research, Breakthrough T1D is proud to fund and support so many of the scientists and experts who are driving the critical research needed to accelerate breakthroughs that will improve the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes and one day allow us to walk away from the disease." Breakthrough T1D leaders participated in several presentations and panel discussions, presenting important data and perspectives about Breakthrough T1D's mission priority areas and the research advancements that benefit those with T1D. Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D., spoke about cell therapies, Breakthrough T1D Research Director Jonathan Rosen, Ph.D., led a session on cardiovascular complications in T1D, Breakthrough T1D Vice President of Medical Affairs, Anastasia Albanese-O'Neill, Ph.D., APRN, CDCES, participated in a panel about women in diabetes professions, and Breakthrough T1D Research Scientist, Courtney Ackeifi, Ph.D., presented Breakthrough T1D's perspective at the Symposium ADJUnct Semaglutide Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes (ADJUST-T1D) Trial Outcomes. Other Breakthrough T1D leaders presented at poster sessions and events surrounding the conference that covered health policy issues in T1D, ways to include the patient voice and expand clinical trial participation, the promise of cell therapies, the importance of the Special Diabetes Program, a federally funded program that provides $160 million annually for T1D research, and more. Key research highlights from the sessions include: Vertex Pharmaceuticals shared additional results on the phase I/II clinical trial of zimislecel, also known as VX-880, their manufactured islet cell therapy that requires immunosuppression. All 12 participants with T1D who received the full dose of cells eliminated severe hypoglycemic events and had an HbA1c hemoglobin level of less than 7%, meeting the trial's primary endpoints. These individuals achieved more than 70% of time in the target glucose range within 6 months and improved further at the 365-day mark. Notably, 10 of the 12 participants (83%) achieved insulin therapy independence and were not using exogenous insulin at day 365. Breakthrough T1D's support for Doug Melton, whose proprietary lab-created beta cells are now being advanced by Vertex, goes back decades. Sana Biotechnology gave an update on the individual with T1D who received a transplant of deceased donor islets that were gene-edited with Sana's Hypoimmune (HIP) technology. HIP technology makes the cells immune-evasive, meaning they are not destroyed by the body's immune system. This therapy does not require the use of immunosuppressives. According to the six-month data, the transplanted islets are safe and well-tolerated, remain undetected by the immune system, and continue to make insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. Sana is working toward applying HIP technology to manufactured islets as a scalable treatment for T1D. A presentation on ADJUnct Semaglutide Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes (ADJUST-T1D) trial outcomes demonstrated that the use of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, as an adjunctive, non-insulin therapy helped individuals living with T1D and obesity and using automated insulin delivery systems to keep their blood glucose levels in the target range and achieve weight loss. Those in the study reported no incidences of diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia, and the drug was well-tolerated and safe. These results add to the body of evidence on the safety and efficacy of semaglutide for people with T1D. More information about T1D research shared at ADA and Breakthrough T1D-funded research and presentations can be found on Breakthrough T1D's website. About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition. About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D. 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