Barbie has announced that model Lila Moss and Peloton instructor Robin Arzon will be honored with new dolls.
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 aims to expand inclusiveness with the launch of her first doll with type 1 diabetes.
Part of Barbie’s Fashionista Line, dolls are fully equipped with continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other features to represent those diagnosed with chronic disease.
The brand partnered with Breakthrough T1D, a former JDRF, a research organization for diabetes, to create the doll. Barbie said in the release that it is also donating dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress.
“Introducing Barbie dolls with Type 1 diabetes is a critical step in our commitment to inclusion and expression,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president at Barbie and Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, in the release. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world. By reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we allow more children to see themselves in the stories they imagine and dolls they love.”
What does a new diabetic doll look like?
According to the release, Barbie used the groundbreaking T1D to ensure that the doll accurately reflects the medical device.
Type 1 diabetes dolls include:
- A continuous glucose monitor (a small wearable device that measures a person’s blood sugar level) is located on the doll’s arms and can help you manage type 1 diabetes. The heart-shaped medical tape holds the device in place and she also has a phone that displays a CGM app that helps track your blood sugar levels.
- The insulin pump – a small wearable medical device that allows automated insulin administration if necessary – is attached to the doll’s waist.
- A matching skirt with blue polka dot top and ruffles as a nod to the symbol that represents diabetes recognition.
- A pastel blue wallet for carrying essentials such as type 1 diabetes supplies and snacks.
What is diabetes? What are Type 1 and Type 2?
According to Mayo Clinic, diabetes is a condition that can cause excess sugar in the blood. It can include chronic diseases such as type 1 and type 2, or potentially reversible types such as gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes often begins in childhood or someone’s teenager, but it can begin at any age. Type 2 diabetes is prevalent among the two, and is more common in people over the age of 40.
Barbie’s Honorary Lila Moss, Robin Arzon and Type 1 Diabetic Doll
Barbie also recruited two big names to promote the new Type 1 diabetes doll.
In the release, the company announced that it would honor model Lila Moss and Peloton instructor Robin Arzón with new dolls. Both moss and arzones have type 1 diabetes.
In a statement, Arzon said she hopes the dolls will help children to “show us that all sorts of challenges will advance us and give us more reasons to achieve our dreams.”
Moss also called the honor “both surreal and special.”
How to get a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes
New Barbie dolls with type 1 diabetes are now available. The company said in its release that its retail price is $10.99.
The new product is available at select retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, and costs $10.99 each.
Those interested in purchasing a new doll can find where to buy on the Mattel website.
Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
