Barbie Unveils First Doll with Type 1 Diabetes: A Milestone in Representation

In a significant step towards inclusivity, Mattel has launched its first Barbie doll designed specifically for children with type 1 diabetes. Announced on July 8, 2025, this new doll is equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump, reflecting the realities of managing the autoimmune condition that affects many children globally.

Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, stated, "This 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." This initiative aligns with Mattel's broader strategy to create a diverse range of dolls that cater to various backgrounds and experiences.

Type 1 diabetes, which often manifests in childhood, requires continuous management through insulin administration and glucose monitoring. The new Barbie features a heart-shaped medical tape holding the CGM in place, a mobile phone with a CGM app for tracking blood sugar levels, and a backpack for carrying essential snacks.

Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the doll's release, emphasizing its role as a powerful symbol for children living with the condition. "For children with T1D who don’t often see themselves represented, this doll will be a powerful role model, celebrating their strength and bringing recognition, inclusion, and joy to their play," she noted.

Historically, Barbie has evolved to reflect changing societal values regarding representation. The introduction of dolls with physical disabilities began in 2019, following decades of diversification that included the first Black Barbie in the 1960s and Hispanic dolls in the 1980s. Currently, the Barbie fashionista range comprises over 175 unique dolls showcasing various skin tones, body types, and disabilities, including dolls with Down syndrome, hearing aids, and wheelchairs.

The significance of this launch extends beyond play. Arjun Panesar, founding CEO of diabetes.co.uk, highlighted the importance of representation in childhood. He remarked, "Seeing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes helps normalize the condition, reduce stigma, and show children that they are not alone. This is a positive step forward in building confidence, inclusion, and understanding around living with diabetes."

Mattel's venture into more inclusive doll designs mirrors trends seen across the toy industry, with brands like Lottie and Lego also emphasizing representation by introducing dolls and figures with various disabilities. This alignment reflects a growing societal recognition of the importance of representation in children's toys and the impact it has on their development.

As the conversation around diversity and representation continues to evolve, the introduction of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes not only serves as a celebration of inclusivity but also as a reminder of the need for ongoing efforts to ensure all children see themselves reflected in the toys they play with. The implications of this launch may pave the way for further innovations in the toy industry, encouraging brands to consider the diverse experiences of children in their product designs.