Today, the Barbie Fashionistas line took a huge high-heeled stride forward, giving even more children a chance to envision themselves as a star in the Barbie universe. Together, with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Barbie has proudly released its first ever doll with type 1 diabetes. The goal with this extraordinary toy is to encourage play outside of a child’s own lived experience and to foster understanding as well as a greater sense of inclusion and empathy as they grow up.

To accomplish this, Barbie worked closely with Breakthrough T1D to be confident the doll’s design represented members in the diabetes community. The company took great care to accurately represent the medical equipment that individuals with this condition might use. The manufacturer also considered the doll’s fashion to ensure every detail was meaningful to the community.

For accessories, this Barbie wears a fashionable pink continuous glucose monitor on her arm to help manage her type 1 diabetes. In the real world, this small, wearable device continuously measures blood-sugar levels to help prevent complications and maintain overall health. To keep her CGM in place, Barbie uses pink, heart-shaped medical tape. The app on her phone allows Barbie to track her blood-sugar levels throughout the day. She also wears an insulin pump at her waist that provides automated insulin dosing to help regulate her blood sugar. Lastly, Barbie carries a pastel blue purse that is perfect for her essentials, such as snacks and type 1 diabetes supplies, when she’s on the go.

The new Barbie wears a stylish blue polka dot top and a matching skirt with ruffles. The circle print and the color blue represent the global symbol for diabetes awareness — a blue ring that, according to the National Library of Medicine, represents the unity needed to support a UN resolution on diabetes.

Breakthrough T1D is a research and advocacy organization committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. In a continued partnership with the organization, Barbie has donated dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress. This biennial event runs from July 7 through July 9 and brings 170 children living with type 1 diabetes to Washington, D.C. to meet face-to-face with members of Congress. The youth delegates traveled to the nation’s capital from all 50 states as well as Breakthrough T1D’s international affiliates in the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, and Canada.

Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes is available on Mattel Shop for $10.99.

Barbie links:
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The Barbie Fashionistas line is the brand’s most inclusive line. It features a vast collection of dolls in a variety of looks, skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions so more children can see themselves and be themselves in key leading roles when they imagine the future.