BARBIE RELEASES DOLL WITH DIABETES TO MAKE ALL CHILDREN FEEL INCLUDED

In 2021, 304,000 children and teens had type 1 diabetes, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Mattel partnered with Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy group, to introduce the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes to increase awareness and representation of the condition. The dual goals of the new Barbie are to help kids with type 1 diabetes identify with the toys they play with and to change how people perceive people with the disease in the hopes of promoting empathy and acceptance. More than 175 dolls with a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion preferences are part of Barbie's global Fashionistas collection.

To authentically portray the doll's appearance and the medical equipment required by someone with type 1 diabetes, Breakthrough T1D collaborated with Mattel. Above all, this Barbie has a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) attached to her arm with medical tape in the shape of a heart. Throughout the day, these devices check a person's blood sugar levels, sometimes with the aid of a smartphone app, such as the one Barbie's phone is showing.

A tiny insulin pump is fastened to the doll's waist, enabling patients to receive automated insulin dosages as required. The blue circle, a global emblem for diabetes awareness, is referenced in her polka-dot ensemble. To help her manage her blood sugar, Barbie also comes with a purse to hold food and other medical items.

"When Barbie asked us to work with them on creating the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, we were overjoyed," says Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. Being a part of raising awareness of a disorder that impacts so many families is really meaningful to me, since I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3. Working with a company that is dedicated to demonstrating to kids that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, active, and empowering is an honour.

The first of these Barbies with type 1 diabetes was given to the young people who attended the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress by Mattel. Patients ages 4 to 17 rallied politicians to support researchers seeking a cure for type 1 diabetes at this event.