- Mattel introduces first Barbie doll featuring type 1 diabetes.
- The doll includes an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor, and medical accessories.
- Aimed at improving representation and inclusivity for children living with diabetes.
Mattel has launched its first-ever Barbie doll designed specifically to represent children living with type 1 diabetes.
The new doll is part of Mattel’s ongoing effort to enhance diversity and representation, helping children see themselves reflected positively in their toys and play experiences.
Created in collaboration with the global diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D, the doll includes several features that realistically reflect the daily experience of managing type 1 diabetes.
The Barbie doll, which is available at Argos, is equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, secured with heart-shaped, Barbie-pink medical tape. She also has an insulin pump and carries a smartphone with an app to track blood glucose levels, providing a relatable and realistic representation of diabetes management.
Announcing the launch, Krista Berger, senior vice-president of Barbie, emphasised the importance of representation: “By including medical conditions like type 1 diabetes, Barbie supports children in seeing themselves in the stories they create and the dolls they cherish.”
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Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, expressed delight at the doll’s release, highlighting how critical such representation is for children with diabetes: “This doll celebrates the strength of children with type 1 diabetes, offering a positive role model and fostering greater inclusion and understanding.”
Arjun Panesar, Founder of Diabetes.co.uk, praised the initiative, stating: “Representation matters, particularly for children. This Barbie helps normalise type 1 diabetes, reducing stigma and reinforcing that children are not alone in their journey.”
The Barbie Fashionistas line, which includes this new doll, now offers over 175 diverse options, incorporating dolls with various disabilities, skin tones, and physical features, helping promote inclusivity and diversity.
