Mattel introduces its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes
[July 10, 2025]
NEW YORK (AP) — Mattel has introduced its first Barbie representing a
person with Type 1 diabetes, as part of wider efforts from the toy maker
to increase inclusivity among its dolls.
In an announcement Tuesday, Mattel said it had partnered with
Breakthrough T1D — a Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization
formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF — to
ensure that the design of the doll “truly captures the community." That
includes accessories that “accurately reflect the medical equipment"
people with Type 1 diabetes may need, the California-based company
noted.
“Visibility matters for everyone facing Type 1 diabetes,” Emily Mazreku,
director of marketing strategy at Breakthrough T1D, said in an
accompanying announcement. And as a mother who lives with Type 1
diabetes, she added, “it means everything to have Barbie helping the
world see T1D and the incredible people who live with it.”
The new Barbie wears continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that
tracks blood sugar levels, on her arm — while holding a phone displaying
an accompanying app. She also has an insulin pump attached to her waist.
And the doll carries a blue purse that can be used to carry other
essential supplies or snacks on the go.
The Barbie's outfit is blue, too — with polka dots on a matching top and
skirt set. Mattel says that this color and design are nods to symbols
for diabetes awareness.
This new doll “enables more children to see themselves reflected in
Barbie,” Mattel wrote Tuesday, and is part of the company's wider
Fashionistas line committed to inclusivity. The line features Barbies
with various skin tones, hair colors and textures, disabilities, body
types and more. Previously-introduced Fashionistas include a Ken doll
with a prosthetic leg and a Barbie with hearing aids. Mattel also
introduced its first doll with Down syndrome in 2023.
[to top of second column]
|
This photo provided by Mattel, Inc., shows the new Barbie doll with
type 1 diabetes (T1D). (Mattel, Inc. via AP)
 According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 38.4 million Americans of all ages —
amounting to about 11.6% of the U.S. population — were estimated to
have diabetes as of 2021, the latest year with data available. About
2 million had Type 1 diabetes, including about 304,000 children and
teens younger than 20.
Barbie's new doll with Type 1 diabetes was also introduced at
Breakthrough T1D's 2025 Children’s Congress held in Washington, D.C.
this week, where the organization is advocating for continued
federal research funding. This year, Breakthrough T1D has been
particularly focused on the Special Diabetes Program, which is
currently set to expire in September.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
