Barbie is aiming to expand on inclusivity with the launch of its first doll with Type 1 diabetes.
The doll, part of Barbie’s Fashionistas line, comes complete with a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump and other features to represent those diagnosed with the chronic disease.
The brand partnered with Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, a diabetes research organization, to create the doll. Barbie said in a release that it is also donating dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress, a biennial event that brings over a hundred children with Type 1 diabetes to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress.
“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, said in a release. “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.”
What does Barbie’s new doll with diabetes look like?
Barbie worked with Breakthrough T1D “to ensure the doll accurately reflected the medical equipment those with this condition may utilize, as well as the doll’s look,” according to the release.
The doll with Type 1 diabetes includes:
A continuous glucose monitor — a small, wearable device that measures a person’s blood-sugar levels — is on the doll’s arm and helps manage her Type 1 diabetes. Heart-shaped medical tape keeps the device in place, and she also has a phone that displays a CGM app to help track her blood-sugar levels.
An insulin pump — a small, wearable medical device that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed — is attached to the doll’s waist.
A blue polka dot top and matching skirt with ruffles, as a nod to the symbols that represent diabetes awareness.
A pastel blue purse to carry any essentials, such as Type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks.
What is diabetes? What is Type 1 versus Type 2?
Diabetes is a condition that can lead to excess sugar in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can include chronic conditions like Type 1 and Type 2, or potentially reversible types like gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes often starts during childhood or someone’s teen years, though it can start at any age. Type 2 diabetes is the more prevalent of the two and is more common in people older than 40.
Barbie honors Lila Moss, Robin Arzón with Type 1 diabetes doll
Barbie also recruited two big names to help promote its new Type 1 diabetes doll.
In a release, the company announced that it is honoring model Lila Moss and Peloton instructor Robin Arzón with the new doll. Both Moss and Arzón have Type 1 diabetes.
Arzón said in a statement that she hopes the doll “can help show kids that all types of challenges give us all the more reason to push forward and achieve our dreams.”
Moss also called the honor “both surreal and special.”
How to get Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes
Barbie’s new doll with Type 1 diabetes is available now. It has a suggested retail price of $10.99, the company said in a release.
The new product is available at some retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, where it is priced at $10.99 each.
Those interested in buying the new doll can find out where to buy it on Mattel’s website.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Barbie launches first doll with Type 1 diabetes
