Barbie Announces First Doll With Type 1 Diabetes

This Barbie is raising awareness.

And they are doing it with the latest addition to Mattel’s inclusive Fashionista Barbie line-up: the first ever doll with type 1 diabetes.

And as Mattel emphasized in a July 8 statement its collaboration with Breakthrough T1D was “designed with inclusion and empathy at the core.” 

The doll is fitted with a glucose monitor patch, a wearable insulin pump and personal diabetes Manager (PDM) in her purse. Plus, her blue polka dot outfit references a symbol of awareness of the disease, a chronic condition in which the body produces little to no insulin.

“This addition to the line enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie,” Mattel said in its statement, “and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child’s own lived experience, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion and empathy—all pillars of the Barbie brand’s mission.”

To celebrate the release, Mattel honored two type 1 diabetes ambassadors Peloton instructor Robin Arzón and Kate Moss’ model daughter Lila Moss, presenting them with their own one-of-a-kind dolls.