Introducing the First Fashion Doll With Diabetes
Barbie, the iconic fashion doll that has been an important part of generations of girls’ lives, has just released a new doll with type-1 (T1D) diabetes. The doll joins a host of other inclusive Barbies that include a doll in a wheelchair, one with hearing aids, as well as two dolls with Down syndrome.
This newest addition to the Fashionistas line, according to a press release from Mattel, encourages children to foster inclusion and empathy for children who have disabilities. This is a big part of the toy brand’s mission.
“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said in the press release. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”
The new Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes comes equipped with a wearable continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump. She is wearing a blue polka dot top and skirt that represents the global symbols for diabetes awareness and a bag to carry snacks or supplies on the go. The doll is available in retail stores and on the online Mattel shop.
Ensuring Accuracy
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body produces little or no insulin, according to NBC News. People who have this disease must test their blood and give themselves insulin injections but in recent years, it has become easier to manage the disease. Now there are wearable continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps that give people with diabetes the opportunity to live a normal life.
To make sure that the medical equipment the doll has is accurate, Barbie partnered with the nonprofit Breakthrough T1D, a leading diabetes research and advocacy organization.
“We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,” Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D said in the press release. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was three, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It’s an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.”
Partnering With Breakthrough T1D
Besides working on the creation of this special doll, Barbie’s partnership with T1D included donating dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress, according to the press release. This biennial event was held on July 7-9, 2025, in Washington DC where children from across the country and from the UK, Canada, Israel, Australia, and the Netherlands met with members of congress.
Two global diabetes advocates – model Lila Moss in the UK and Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón in the US – were honored with their own one-of-a-kind dolls.
Lila Moss said “I am proud to use my platform to educate around type 1 diabetes and show that being different is cool. Receiving messages from people who see my patches and feel represented means everything to me. To be able to now see Barbie dolls with T1D, and to receive a Barbie doll that visibly looks like me even wearing her patches, is both surreal and special.”
Seeing dolls that look like you are very empowering to children. It can make them feel more accepted and valued. Inclusion is a very special gift to give.
