Mattel Introduces Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes: A Groundbreaking Development in Doll Manufacturing
In a significant step towards inclusivity, Mattel, the renowned toy manufacturer, has unveiled its first Barbie doll representing a person living with Type 1 diabetes. This groundbreaking doll, part of Mattel's Fashionistas line, was introduced at Breakthrough T1D's 2025 Children's Congress held in Washington, D.C.
The new Barbie wears a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm and has an insulin pump attached to her waist, accurately reflecting the medical equipment people with Type 1 diabetes may need. Her outfit is a blue number with polka dots, symbolising diabetes awareness. The doll also carries a blue purse for essential supplies or snacks.
Mattel's commitment to diversity extends beyond just physical attributes. The Fashionistas line now includes over 175 diverse Barbie variations, featuring a wide range of skin tones, body types, and abilities, including dolls with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, and wheelchairs. This inclusive approach has been accelerated since 2019, with a focus on creating dolls that reflect real-world experiences, such as those with Down syndrome.
The introduction of the Type 1 diabetes doll marks another milestone in Mattel's journey towards inclusivity, which began in the 1960s with the introduction of Black Barbie dolls and continued with the inclusion of Hispanic dolls in the 1980s. In the 1990s, Mattel introduced Share-a-Smile Becky, a friend of Barbie who uses a wheelchair, marking one of the first times a doll with a disability was included in the lineup.
Mattel's collaborative approach with advocacy organisations and medical professionals helps ensure that these dolls are designed with sensitivity and authenticity. This partnership with Breakthrough T1D, an organisation particularly focused on the Special Diabetes Program this year, has been crucial in the development of the Type 1 diabetes doll.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2 million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, including about 304,000 children and teens younger than 20. As such, the introduction of this doll is not only a significant step for Mattel but also for the millions of children living with Type 1 diabetes, providing them with a doll that they can identify with and see themselves represented in.
The Special Diabetes Program, currently set to expire in September, is a crucial source of federal research funding for Type 1 diabetes. Breakthrough T1D, the organisation partnering with Mattel, is advocating for continued federal research funding to ensure that progress in understanding and treating Type 1 diabetes continues. The introduction of the Type 1 diabetes Barbie doll is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of representation in fostering understanding and empathy.
- Science has a new represented character in Mattel's Fashionistas line, a Barbie doll embodying Type 1 diabetes.
- With a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump, this Barbie accurately portrays medical equipment used by people with Type 1 diabetes.
- The Type 1 diabetes doll is fitted in a blue polka-dot outfit, a symbol of diabetes awareness.
- Within her accessories, the Barbie carries a blue purse to keep essential supplies or snacks.
- Mattel's commitment towards diversity and representation includes over 175 diverse Barbie variations across skin tones, body types, and abilities.
- People with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, and wheelchairs are also represented in the Fashionistas line.
- The introduction of dolls representing Down syndrome in 2019 represents an accelerated approach towards diversity and real-world experiences.
- The journey of inclusivity at Mattel began in the 1960s with Black Barbie dolls and continued in the 1980s with Hispanic dolls.
- The 1990s saw Share-a-Smile Becky, a friend of Barbie who uses a wheelchair, marking an inclusive step.
- Collaborations with advocacy organizations and medical professionals have been pivotal in creating sensitive and authentic dolls.
- Breakthrough T1D, a partner in the development of the Type 1 diabetes Barbie, is also focused on the Special Diabetes Program this year.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2 million Americans live with Type 1 diabetes, including 304,000 children and teens younger than 20.
- The introduction of the Type 1 diabetes doll signifies a crucial step for Mattel as well as for millions of children who can now see themselves represented.
- Continued federal research funding for Type 1 diabetes, including funding through the Special Diabetes Program, is being advocated for by Breakthrough T1D.
- Funding is necessary to ensure the progress in understanding and treating Type 1 diabetes continues.
- The partnership between Mattel and Breakthrough T1D showcases the powerful impact of collaboration and representation in fostering understanding and empathy.
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