In a major move toward representation and inclusivity, Mattel has launched the first-ever Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, empowering millions of children living with the condition and encouraging awareness through play.
The new doll features a realistic glucose monitor, an insulin pump, and accessories that reflect the daily life of a person managing Type 1 diabetes. It’s part of Mattel’s ongoing Barbie Fashionista line, which celebrates diversity in health, appearance, and lifestyle.
“This Barbie isn’t just a toy — she’s a mirror to real experiences,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel. “We want every child to see themselves in Barbie and feel empowered, not different.”
The company worked closely with endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and families of children with Type 1 diabetes to ensure the doll’s features are accurate and educational.
- More than 1.5 million children worldwide live with Type 1 diabetes
- Inclusive toys help reduce stigma, increase understanding, and normalize medical conditions in social settings
- The doll opens up opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators to start meaningful conversations about health and empathy
Young diabetes advocates and caregivers have praised the launch.
“When my daughter saw the doll, her face lit up. She said, ‘She’s just like me!’” shared a parent from New York whose child was diagnosed at age 6.
The doll joins other inclusive Barbie dolls featuring prosthetic limbs, vitiligo, wheelchairs, and Down syndrome — all part of Mattel’s mission to “inspire the limitless potential in every child.”
With this launch, Barbie continues to break barriers and set new standards in the toy industry — proving that inclusion can be empowering, even in the smallest hands.
