An insulin pump is on its way to Barbie! As part of its continuous efforts to increase representation, Mattel revealed on Tuesday that it is introducing the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The toy maker claims that among other things, the Barbie has an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor.
Barbie teamed with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, an organization dedicated to diabetes research and awareness.
Watch the video below: Adam Schefter of ESPN discusses type 1 diabetes screening.
In a statement, Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said, “Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation.” Barbie contributes to the development of young children’s worldviews, and by representing illnesses like T1D, we make sure that more children can identify with the dolls and stories they adore.
Barbie is dressed with a blue polka-dot outfit and has an insulin pump and CGM on top. The dots and the blue both allude to international symbols that stand for diabetes awareness.
Her purse is also “perfect for Barbie to carry any essentials, such as type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks, when she s on the go.”
When Barbie asked us to work with them on creating the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, we were overjoyed. Aaron J. Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D, stated in a statement. Having lived with T1D since I was 13 and my brother since he was 3, this relationship holds enormous personal significance as it contributes to raising awareness of a disorder that impacts countless families. Working with a company that is dedicated to demonstrating to kids that a life with type 1 diabetes can be rich, bright, and empowering is an honor.
Breakthrough T1D 2025 Chidlren’s Congress, which brings together 170 children with T1D to meet with Congress in person, received dolls from Barbie.
Additionally, the charity presented two T1D champions with their own unique Barbie dolls: model Lila Moss from the UK and Peloton instructor Robin Arzn from the US.
Ten years after receiving a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, I’ve discovered a great deal of meaning in supporting others who have the illness and educating others about it since, as Arz n. stated, “knowledge is power, especially for young minds.” As part of the brand’s efforts to increase type 1 diabetes awareness and representation, it is truly an honor to receive a Barbie doll. This will allow us to demonstrate children that obstacles of all kinds only motivate us to persevere and pursue our goals.
“I’m honored to use my position to spread knowledge about type 1 diabetes and demonstrate that it’s okay to be different. It means a lot to me to get responses from others who notice my patches and feel included. “It’s both surreal and special to be able to see Barbie dolls with T1D now, and to get a Barbie doll that clearly looks like me, even with her patches on,” Moss continued.
Max White of the Scripps News Group in Detroit was the first to publish this news.
