Barbie introduces dolls with type 1 diabetes
The Barbie Fashionista Line includes a type 1 diabetes doll that rocks a pink glucose monitor and an insulin pump.
Barbie is looking to expand her commitment to expression and inclusion by presenting her first wrist with type 1 diabetes.
This new doll is part of the Barbie Fashionista Line and includes continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other accessories designed to reflect the reality of people with this chronic disease.
To create it, the brand was associated with the groundbreaking T1D, known as JDRF, an organization dedicated to diabetes research. Additionally, Barbie has announced that some of these dolls will be donated to the 2025 Children’s Breakthrough T1D.
“Providing Barbie with Type 1 diabetes represents a critical step in our commitment to inclusion and expression,” said Christa Berger, Barbie’s senior vice president and Mattel’s global doll director in a statement. “Barbie helped shape the early perceptions that children have from the world, and by reflecting medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes, we were able to express smaller stories they imagined and dolls they loved.”
What about the new Barbie with type 1 diabetes?
The company said the creation of the doll included a groundbreaking direct collaboration with the T1D, ensuring that many people use medical devices in addition to their appearance and clothing.
The doll equipment is as follows:
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM): A small device placed on the arm and measuring blood sugar levels. The doll has a phone with a heart-shaped medical tape to hold it and an app that shows glucose readings.
- Insulin bomb: A portable device that manages automatic insulin doses when needed. It is attached to the waist on the wrist.
- Blue set of top with polka dots and skirt with flyerin suggestions to symbols of awareness about diabetes.
- Blue patissie bag Carries essential items such as supplying type 1 diabetes and snacks.
What is diabetes? What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
According to Mayo Clinic, diabetes is a disorder that causes hyperglycemia levels. It can be chronic, as in cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, or temporary diabetes such as gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, but can manifest at any age. Type 2, on the other hand, is the most common and affects people over the age of 40.
Barbie pays homage to Lila Moss and Robin Arzon with this doll
To promote the launch, Barbie joined the Lila Moss model and the Blaston Robin Arzón instructor, both of whom had type 1 diabetes. Moss described this perception as “surreal and special,” but Arzon expressed hope that the dolls “show children that the challenge is an even stronger reason for moving forward and achieving their dreams.
Where do you buy a new Barbie with type 1 diabetes?
This doll is now available for a recommended price of $10.99. You can purchase at select stores such as Walmart and Amazon, or directly on the Mattel website.
Boris Q’va is a national news reporter for Spanish trends on the Connect/USA Today network. You can follow him on X as @boborisqva or email him at bbalsindesurquiola@gannett.com.
Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
