Mattel launches new Barbie with Type 1 diabetes

Barbie’s latest look includes a glucose monitor — Mattel’s newest doll is living with Type 1 diabetes.

Mattel, Inc. said this week in the announcement that the new Barbie, which is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, will enable more kids to see themselves reflected in Barbie, as well as foster more inclusion and empathy.

“Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls.

In making the new doll, Barbie partnered with Breakthrough T1D, the leading global Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to ensure the design “truly captures the community” and accurately reflects the medical equipment that may be utilized.

Diabetes is a condition that can lead to excess sugar in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Type 1 diabetes often starts during childhood or someone’s teen years, though it can start at any age.

Because of this, the new Barbie doll wears a glucose monitor on her arm to measure her blood sugar levels. Her heart-shaped medical tape is in Barbie pink, Mattel said.

Barbie also has a phone displaying the CGM app, an insulin pump and a purse to carry essentials like Type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks, according to Mattel.

The doll is dressed in a blue polka dot outfit — a reference to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness.

“We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes,” said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal — it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families.”

Through the new doll, two global role models and Type 1 diabetes advocates are being honored by Barbie with their own one-of-a-kind dolls: Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón in the U.S. and model Lila Moss in the United Kingdom.

Mattel said the Barbie Fashionistas line features more than 175 looks across various skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body Types, disabilities and fashion styles — including a blind Barbie doll, a Barbie doll with Down syndrome, and a Barbie doll with hearing aids and more.