Mattel releases Barbie with Type 1 diabetes

Mattel debuted the first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes on Tuesday in an attempt to fulfill its commitment to inclusivity and representation, according to a company release. A diabetic Barbie will help children’s play expand beyond their own lived experiences and foster empathy, according to the Tuesday statement. Reflecting medical conditions like Type 1 diabetes helps more kids see themselves in the playtime stories they imagine, according to Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls. The company collaborated with the diabetes research and advocacy group Breakthrough T1D to accurately depict the medical equipment used by Type 1 diabetics.

What kind of accessories does she have? The doll will be dressed in a blue, polka-dot skirt and matching top, referencing the international color and symbol for diabetes awareness, the company noted. Barbie will also come outfitted with a continuous glucose monitor on her arm to monitor her blood sugar levels. The small device is kept on her arm with heart-shaped, pink medical tape, near a pink insulin pump fitted to her waist, according to the release. Barbie also comes with a purse with a smartphone inside that displays the blood sugar reading from her monitor. The Mattel website showed the doll available at Walmart and Amazon, but appeared sold out at both locations at the time of publishing.

Dig Deeper: Read my previous report about Mattel receiving backlash last year after printing an adult website’s URL on packaging for special edition dolls produced for the movie-musical, Wicked.