Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes Acts as a New Role Model
The first Barbie with type 1 diabetes was released on June 8, 2025. It is now sold in over 150 countries, representing inclusivity and hope for people with this condition.
The Barbie was made by Mattel, a multinational toy and family entertainment company headquartered in El Segundo, CA, and founded in 1945 by Elliot Handler, Ruth Handler, and Harold Matson.
Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) is a chronic condition. A chronic disease lasts longer than a year and may require ongoing medical attention. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin, a hormone that the body uses to allow glucose to enter cells to create energy. Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) has no cure, treatment focuses on managing blood sugar using insulin injections, diet, and lifestyle changes.
In earlier years, dolls with disabilities and Down syndrome were introduced to increase representation.
The new Barbie additionally features technology to help manage T1D. She wears a blue polka dot top and skirt, a pastel blue purse for medical essentials, an insulin pump, and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). CGM is a device that continuously tracks sugar levels day and night. An insulin pump is a small device to deliver insulin, like the function of a healthy pancreas. The blue polka dot outfit represents the global symbol of diabetes.
Model Lila Moss praised the technology featured in the doll as she also has T1D. She said, “This technology… makes living with diabetes so much easier and more practical.”
Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D, commented about the inclusiveness of the Barbie doll. “We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,” he said. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3… It’s an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.”
The release of the first Barbie doll with T1D marks a step forward toward representation in toy manufacturing. By showcasing medical technology, it inspires children to embrace their health challenges.
Sources:
https://corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-introduces-first-ever-barbie-doll-with-type-1-diabetes-to-expand-representation-and-inspire-more-children
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/chronic-disease
https://diabetes.org/advocacy/cgm-continuous-glucose-monitors
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/insulin-pumps
https://www.britannica.com/money/Mattel-Inc