In a bold move that reinforces Barbie’s legacy as more than just a fashion doll, Mattel has launched a new Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, outfitted with realistic medical devices such as a wearable insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor.
The doll is a part of the beloved Barbie Fashionistas line and is designed to reflect the experiences of children living with this chronic condition. The addition of the Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes isn’t just symbolic—it represents a significant step in promoting inclusivity, awareness, and empathy among young audiences across the globe.
Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes
For decades, Barbie has been both praised and critiqued for the image it projects. In recent years, however, Mattel has significantly expanded the diversity of the Barbie lineup, adding dolls of various skin tones, body types, and abilities. Now, by introducing a Barbie doll equipped with medical devices for managing Type 1 diabetes, the brand takes inclusivity a step further—acknowledging not only external appearances but also internal medical experiences that millions of children live with daily.
This new doll is not just a toy; it’s an educational tool. Featuring a continuous glucose monitor on her upper arm and an insulin pump on her waist, Barbie helps demystify diabetes for children and their peers. These devices, though small in size, are powerful symbols of real-life medical equipment that many kids rely on every day. Through play, children can learn what it means to manage a chronic condition, how insulin works, and why it’s important to monitor glucose levels.
According to Krista Berger, senior vice president for Barbie and global head of dolls, the doll “marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity.” She emphasized the importance of children being able to see themselves in their toys, saying that Barbie plays a significant role in shaping early worldviews. “By reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love,” she stated in the press release.
Meet the first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes. Donning the global color for diabetes awareness, the doll sports a glucose monitor and insulin pump. pic.twitter.com/MXzPxIpBpB
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 9, 2025
This marks another progressive chapter in Barbie’s evolving narrative. Gone are the days when she was only seen as a blonde fashion icon with little room for individuality. Today’s Barbie can be a scientist, an astronaut, a wheelchair user, and now—someone living with diabetes.
The Reality of Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin—a hormone essential for allowing glucose to enter cells and be converted into energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, which can cause serious health complications if not properly managed. The Mayo Clinic explains that those with Type 1 diabetes often require daily insulin therapy and must monitor their blood sugar levels consistently.
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The use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump helps streamline this process. A CGM is typically a small sensor inserted under the skin, which tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night. It sends data to a device or smartphone, alerting users when their glucose levels are too high or too low. An insulin pump, on the other hand, delivers controlled amounts of insulin through a small tube inserted under the skin, eliminating the need for multiple daily injections.
The Barbie doll’s realistic depiction of these devices can help normalize their appearance and function, reducing stigma and increasing awareness. It gives children with diabetes an opportunity to feel seen and understood and offers their friends a chance to learn about the condition in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
More than 18,000 young people in the U.S. under the age of 20 were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With roughly a 2% increase in diagnosed cases per year between 2002 and 2018, this condition is far from rare. By incorporating such a widespread condition into a popular toy line, Mattel is acknowledging the reality that thousands of children face and offering them a piece of representation that feels personal.
Collaboration and Impact: A Partnership That Matters
To ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the medical features, Mattel partnered with Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit dedicated to research and advocacy for people with Type 1 diabetes. Breakthrough T1D’s CEO, Aaron J. Kowalski, was thrilled when the company approached his organization for collaboration.
“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,” Kowalski shared. His involvement adds authenticity and emotional weight to the project, reaffirming Mattel’s commitment to doing justice to the community it aims to represent.
This collaboration goes beyond aesthetics. It ensures that the medical devices are not just tacked on but are reflective of real-life tools used by individuals with Type 1 diabetes. This level of detail demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of what it means to live with a chronic condition. It also highlights the growing trend of corporations engaging experts and advocacy groups to produce more accurate, meaningful products.
Already, the doll has garnered attention and appreciation from parents and caregivers. While the official purchase link on Mattel’s site displays reviews labeled as “incentivized,” the sentiments are genuine. One parent shared that giving the doll to their 7-year-old daughter opened a heartfelt conversation about diabetes. Another wrote that it was a “great addition” to the Barbie brand and appreciated the opportunity to explain how each device worked and why it was necessary.
These kinds of interactions are precisely what Mattel hoped to encourage: education, empathy, and engagement.
While the toy aisle has traditionally been a place for make-believe, Mattel is now showing that it can also be a space for real-life representation. Whether it’s explaining insulin to a curious sibling or sparking a classroom conversation about health, this doll serves a purpose far greater than play. It’s an invitation for inclusion, understanding, and compassion.
As Barbie continues to evolve to reflect the diverse world children live in, this latest addition signals that the brand’s future is not just fashionable—it’s inclusive, relevant, and impactful. With the Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel is empowering a new generation of children to play with purpose and learn through empathy.