New Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes comes with insulin pump & glucose monitoring device

As part of its diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls, doll maker Mattel has introduced a new Barbie doll who has type 1 diabetes.

It is the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, a design created in partnership with the non-profit organisation Breakthrough T1D, said Mattel.

According to Breakthrough T1D, the doll was designed to accurately reflect the medical equipment that those with type 1 diabetes might use.

Barbie's outfit is also intentionally designed, featuring a blue polka dot top and matching skirt, as a nod to the symbols that represent diabetes awareness — a circle and the colour blue.

The doll also comes with an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which has heart-shaped medical tape in Barbie pink to keep the latter in place.

Additionally, Barbie's phone displays a CGM app that helps track blood sugar levels throughout the day.

"Visibility matters for everyone facing type 1 diabetes," said Breakthrough T1D director of marketing strategy, Emily Mazreku.

Greater diversity

The Barbie Fashionistas line is Mattel's most diverse doll line, featuring more than 175 looks in a variety of skin tones, eye colours, disabilities, hair colours, and fashion styles.

Some dolls offered by Mattel include a Barbie with a wheelchair and a ramp, a Ken doll with hearing aids, a Barbie doll with Down syndrome, and a blind Barbie doll with a cane.

Top photos via Mattel/website