Mattel announces first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes: Glucose monitor, insulin pump and everything to know

In a push for inclusivity, Mattel has unveiled its latest Barbie doll. The toymaker recently announced a brand-new fashion doll with type 1 diabetes.

The newest launch marks Mattel’s collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The first-ever ‘Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes’ is part of the iconic toy’s Fashionistas line. The plastic figurines with T1D are dressed in matching blue polka dot tops and skirts.

According to Mattel, the Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes also uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. The doll also has a heart-shaped pink medical tape. Other accessories include a pastel blue purse and matching chunky block heels. At the same time, the toy also carries a phone that displays a CGM app.

In its announcement post on Instagram, Mattel also revealed the reason behind dressing Barbie in the blue polka dot dress,

“Her blue polka dot style is a nod to the global symbols for diabetes awareness, and a reminder of the life-changing work being done by organizations like Breakthrough T1D, who are helping make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better.”

The new Fashionista dolls with T1D are priced at $10.99 and, once available, will be sold at Walmart and Amazon, according to Mattel.

Internet reacts to the first ‘Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes’

Mattel’s collaboration with Breakthrough T1D and its recent announcement aims at expanding the diversity in its popular toy line. The iconic fashion doll’s latest avatar represents the people with type 1 diabetes. The toy’s launch has also received various reactions on X under the post of Pop Base (@PopBase), with many of them being positive.

“This is cute and representation truly matters because there are many kids with type 1 diabetes and with them having a Barbie just like them will sure make them happy and not feel different or left out oh this is a W for Mattel 😭,” a user praised the toymaker.

“Diabetes representation is important, this is a positive move,” another user shared.

“having been born with diabetes, this would have made the little girl me so happy to see my condition being represented back then... i'm all in for this inclusivity ❤️,” someone wrote about their condition.

“wait this is so freaking cute 🥹🥹🥹🫶🏽,” another one added.

A user reflected upon growing up as a person with type 1 diabetes and hailed Mattel’s new fashion doll,

“as a type 1 diabetic since i was 7, this would have made me feel so much better about my circumstances. i hated wearing a pump, i hated that i wasn’t like every other kid at school. i was so insecure about my diabetes, it felt like absolutely nobody understood me. 1/2”

They also called out people posting insensitive comments in a follow-up tweet,

“but seeing this makes me happy, that maybe other children in a similar position can feel better about their diabetes. i hate that lots of people in these comments are jumping to “obesity” or “lifestyle”, please educate yourself before saying anything about this 2/2”

Some in the comments confused T1D with type 2 diabetes, while a section of users was not happy with Mattel’s push for diversity.

For those unaware, it is not the first time the toymaker has promoted representation with its fashion dolls. Last year in July, Mattel collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to launch its first Blind Barbie. In April 2023, the company launched a doll representing people with Down syndrome.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback