EL SEGUNDO, CA – Mattel, Inc. announced the debut of its first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, a move designed to champion inclusivity and help children with the condition feel seen and represented in their toys. The new doll, part of the brand's diverse Fashionistas line, was developed in close partnership with Breakthrough T1D, a leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy.

The new Barbie comes equipped with medical devices essential for managing T1D, including a wearable insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The launch continues the Barbie brand's long-term evolution to reflect a more accurate and diverse world, aiming to reduce the stigma often associated with medical conditions.

Designing for Authenticity

To ensure the doll's design was both accurate and respectful, Mattel collaborated extensively with medical professionals and experts from Breakthrough T1D. The goal was to create a toy that not only normalizes the daily realities of managing T1D but does so with authentic detail. The doll’s insulin pump is clipped to its waistband, with tubing visible, while the CGM sensor is clearly depicted on its arm.

"Our commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of the Barbie brand, and we believe in the power of representation," said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel, in a statement. "This new Barbie with type 1 diabetes is another step forward in our journey to create dolls that reflect the world children see around them, helping more kids see themselves in Barbie."

The doll is part of the 2024 Fashionistas collection, a line that has become the flagship for Barbie's diversity initiatives. This collection has previously introduced dolls with vitiligo, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, and a doll representing a person with Down syndrome.

The Importance of Being Seen

For the millions of children and adults living with T1D worldwide, the new Barbie is more than just a toy; it is a powerful symbol of validation. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone essential for converting food into energy. Its management requires constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and administering insulin through injections or an insulin pump.

Advocacy groups have long emphasized the psychological impact of representation in media and toys, particularly for children managing chronic illnesses. Seeing a popular icon like Barbie with the same medical devices they use can help reduce feelings of isolation and self-consciousness.

"We are thrilled to partner with Mattel on the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes," said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. "This collaboration is a testament to the importance of representation and will allow children with T1D to see themselves in a doll that celebrates their strength and resilience. It's a significant step in normalizing the condition and breaking down stigmas."

The partnership aims to foster a greater sense of community and understanding, encouraging conversations about T1D among children and their parents, whether they are directly affected by the disease or not.

A Continuing Evolution for Barbie

The launch of the T1D Barbie is a strategic move that aligns with Mattel's broader efforts over the past decade to revitalize the iconic brand. Since introducing new body types—curvy, tall, and petite—in 2016, the company has consistently expanded the Fashionistas line to include a wider range of skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, and physical abilities.

This commitment to diversity has been credited with renewing Barbie's cultural relevance and driving significant commercial success. By reflecting a more realistic and inclusive society, Mattel aims to ensure that the Barbie brand resonates with a new generation of children and parents who prioritize authenticity and representation in their purchasing decisions.

The new Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes is now available at major retailers globally. The launch underscores a powerful message: that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to play, imagine, and dream without limits.