The doll was created in partnership with Breakthrough T1D to help more kids see themselves reflected early on.
WASHINGTON — Barbie is expanding its commitment to inclusivity with the debut of its first-ever doll with type 1 diabetes.
The doll was designed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, a leading diabetes research and advocacy organization and is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line.
The design features a Continuous Glucose Monitor on her arm, secured with pink heart-shaped medical tape, along with an insulin pump at her waist.
The Barbie also includes a smartphone with a CGM tracking app, a blue polka-dot outfit and pastel blue purse to represent diabetes awareness.
“Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world,” Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel. “By reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”
To ensure authenticity, Barbie worked closely with Breakthrough T1D, a leading advocacy organization “committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.”
The organization also received a donation of dolls for Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress, an event in Washington, D.C., from July 7-9, where 170 children from around the world will advocate for type 1 diabetes awareness.
As part of the campaign, Barbie is also honoring two global advocates with their own one-of-a-kind dolls: Robin Arzón, Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, and British supermodel Lila Moss.
“After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a decade ago, I’ve found a lot of purpose in advocating for people with the condition and educating others about it because knowledge is power – especially for young minds,” Arzón said in a statement.
“It’s an absolute honor to receive a Barbie doll as a part of the brand’s efforts to grow awareness and representation surrounding type 1 diabetes, so that we can help show kids that all types of challenges give us all the more reason to push forward and achieve our dreams.”
The new Barbie doll will be available on Mattel Shop beginning July 8. Each doll is currently priced at $10.99.