First Barbie with type 1 diabetes unveiled

Breakthrough T1D has partnered with Barbie to create the world’s first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes.

According to Breakthrough T1D, this is an incredible step forward for representation, awareness and inclusion for young people living with the condition.

Karen Addington MBE, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Barbie now includes a doll with type 1 diabetes.

“As a beloved icon for children everywhere, it’s wonderful to see Barbie proudly reflecting type 1 diabetes and the technology that comes with it.

“For children with type 1 diabetes who don’t often see themselves represented, this doll will be a powerful role model, celebrating their strength and bringing recognition, inclusion, and joy to their play.”

Barbie worked closely with Breakthrough T1D to accurately reflect the medical equipment people with this type 1 diabetes might use and the Barbie’s look, all the way down to her dress pattern.

The new Barbie doll includes a:

• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM): The doll wears a CGM on her arm to help manage her type 1 diabetes. To keep her CGM in place, she uses heart-shaped medical tape, Barbie pink, of course, along with a phone that displays a CGM app to help track her blood sugar levels throughout the day
• Insulin pump: Barbie has an insulin pump attached to her waist
• Blue polka dot outfit: The doll wears a stylish polka dot top and matching skirt with ruffles. Both the colour blue and circle print are nods to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness
• Handbag: The doll comes with a pastel blue handbag, perfect for Barbie to carry any essentials, such as type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks, when she’s on the go.

Barbie also honoured global role model and type 1 diabetes advocate, supermodel Lila Moss, with her own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll.

The Barbie Fashionistas line features more than 175 looks across various skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, disabilities and fashion styles, including a Blind Barbie doll, a Barbie doll with Down Syndrome, and a Barbie doll with Hearing Aids, among others.

In 2020, Barbie kicked off a multi-year study with researchers at Cardiff University on the short-term and long-term benefits of doll play.

It has been found that doll play serves an incredible purpose during key developmental stages, as it may help set children on a course for success by fostering empathy and developing social skills needed to excel, all while imagining their futures on an equal playing field.

“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like type 1 diabetes, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”

The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, are now available on Mattel Shop and at retailers nationwide.