BARBIE has just welcomed a new type of doll to the team, and it’s going a long way in normalizing underrepresented conditions.
The new model has never been rolled out before by Mattel, and fans have already heaped praise on the positive message it sends.
The new model has never been rolled out before by Mattel, and fans have already heaped praise on the positive message it sends[/caption]
Barbie is one again here to break new ground with the release of its first-ever doll representing a person with Type 1 diabetes[/caption]
Barbie is one again here to break new ground with the release of its first-ever doll representing a person with Type 1 diabetes.
The new lineup of Barbies comes equipped with several health-related accessories.
This includes a pink continuous glucose monitor on her arm and an insulin pump on her waist.
These are items that real life diabetics rely upon to track their sugar intake.
In her bag, the doll also carries a phone displaying a glucose-tracking app in a bright blue purse.
The doll’s polka-dot blue dress is also a nod to the global symbols for diabetes awareness.
Mattel worked closely with Breakthrough T1D, an organization for type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.
This was to maintain authenticity, something the creators believe will break new ground for diabetes awareness and acceptance.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls said: “Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation.
“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.”
Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D, added: “We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes.
“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.
“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 new dolls are now available on Mattel Shop and at retailers nationwide in the US.
FAN REACTION
The new Barbie was revealed to eager fans on social media, with many of them praising Mattel for the move.
An Instagram commenter wrote: “Omg!!! This is the best thing I have ever seen.
“THANK YOU!!!!! Would love to see a Ken doll added to this collection for my son.”
And another one said: “When I was diagnosed at 6 yrs old, THIS would have meant the WORLD to me.
“There was simply no representation of T1D in 1979, and kids thought I was contagious.”
A third added: “I’m 47, have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 8 years old.
“This Barbie is what I’ve waited for my whole life.”
CONTINUED COLLABORATION
Mattel has continued to worked closely with T1D in recent days to celebrate the release of the new Barbie.
Barbie has donated some of the new dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress.
The event, which lasted from July 7 to July 9, brought 170 children living with type 1 diabetes, ages 4-17, to Washington, DC.
There, they are put face-to-face with members of Congress, with delegates from all 50 states and countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Canada.
The new Barbie was revealed to eager fans on social media, with many of them praising Mattel for the move[/caption]
