Mattel releases new Barbie with diabetes.
The Barbie doll, with type 1 diabetes, comes with an insulin pump, a glucose monitor on her arm and a cell phone with an app showing the dolls glucose readings. pic.twitter.com/urdIyJULop
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) July 9, 2025
- The Barbie with Type 1 diabetes comes with a continuous glucose monitor on her arm and an insulin pump on her waist, both of which are medical devices used by people with this condition. Krista Berger, senior vice president for Barbie and global head of dolls, said in a press release, “This doll is a big step toward inclusivity. Barbie shapes how kids see the world, and by including medical conditions like Type 1 diabetes, we help more children feel represented in the stories they create with their dolls.” According to the Mayo Clinic, Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy. A continuous glucose monitor tracks blood sugar levels, and an insulin pump is a wearable device that delivers insulin to the body as needed.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 18,000 young people under 20 were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the U.S. last year. The CDC also notes that diagnoses have been increasing by about 2% each year from 2002 to 2018. To make sure the doll accurately represents the condition, Mattel worked with Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit organization focused on Type 1 diabetes. Breakthrough T1D’s CEO, Aaron J. Kowalski, said he was “thrilled” to collaborate with Mattel to ensure the doll’s medical devices were realistic. – Mal Antoni
Additional Facts About Other Mattel Barbie DollsMattel has been expanding its Barbie line to reflect diversity and inclusivity in many ways. Here are some notable examples of other Barbie dolls designed to represent different experiences and backgrounds:
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- Barbie with Down Syndrome (2023): Mattel partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to create a Barbie with physical features reflecting Down syndrome, such as a shorter frame, almond-shaped eyes, and a single palmar crease. The doll also wears a dress with butterflies, a symbol associated with Down syndrome awareness.
- Barbie in a Wheelchair (2019): As part of the Fashionistas line, Mattel introduced a Barbie who uses a wheelchair, designed with input from accessibility experts. The doll comes with a ramp to ensure compatibility with Barbie Dreamhouse playsets, promoting inclusion in play.
- Barbie with Vitiligo (2020): Mattel released a Barbie with vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment. The doll was created to celebrate diverse skin tones and conditions, developed with guidance from dermatologists for accuracy.
- Career Barbies: Over the years, Barbie has taken on over 200 careers to inspire kids to dream big. Examples include Astronaut Barbie (1965, relaunched in 2019), Doctor Barbie, and Computer Engineer Barbie (2010), showing girls they can pursue any profession.
- Cultural Representation Dolls: Mattel has released Barbies inspired by cultural icons and holidays, like the Día de Muertos Barbie (2019), which celebrates Mexican heritage with traditional clothing and face paint, and the Barbie Lunar New Year doll, honoring Asian traditions.










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