Translated with AI
Mattel has unveiled its first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes. The company said it aims to promote empathy and inclusivity in children and hopes the new doll will help children with diabetes feel more confident, the BBC reports.
The new doll was created in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, an international non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with type 1 diabetes.
“The introduction of Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes is an important step in our commitment to inclusion and representation,” said Christa Berger, senior vice president and global head of the Barbie brand.
"Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world. By illustrating conditions like type 1 diabetes, we allow more children to recognize themselves in the stories and dolls they love," she added.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It is often diagnosed in childhood, and patients need to monitor their blood sugar levels and inject insulin daily.
The new Barbie wears a CGM, a small device on her arm that continuously measures her blood sugar levels. It's attached to her upper arm with a pink, heart-shaped medical patch, and her phone has an app that monitors her sugar levels throughout the day.
The doll also has an insulin pump, a small device that automatically injects the required amount of insulin into the body. It is attached to the doll's waist.
The new Barbie's outfit – a blue top and polka-dot skirt – is inspired by international symbols associated with diabetes awareness.
Along with the new model, the company also introduced a doll of Lila Moss, the daughter of British supermodel Kate Moss, who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 12.
Lila Moss doll has the same CGM accessories for continuous glucose monitoring.
Lila Moss said she was pleased that the technology she and other young people with diabetes use every day is now available on Barbie.
"I think it's really important to embrace these technologies because they make living with diabetes so much easier and more comfortable. I think it's really important not to hide these devices, but rather to be proud of them," said the 22-year-old model.
In recent years, Mattel has sought to diversify its doll line, particularly the Barbie doll, which for decades has been portrayed as a slender blonde in heels.
In 2016, the company debuted a plus-size Barbie, as well as a petite and tall doll. In 2019, a line of gender-neutral and disabled Barbie dolls was introduced.
Mattel also released dolls with other special needs, such as a visually impaired doll and a doll with Down syndrome.
