NEW YORK (AP) — Mattel has launched its first Barbie representing an individual with Kind 1 diabetes, as a part of wider efforts from the toy maker to extend inclusivity amongst its dolls.
In an announcement Tuesday, Mattel stated it had partnered with Breakthrough T1D — a Kind 1 diabetes analysis and advocacy group previously generally known as Juvenile Diabetes Analysis Basis, or JDRF — to make sure that the design of the doll “really captures the neighborhood.” That features equipment that “precisely replicate the medical gear” folks with Kind 1 diabetes might have, the California-based firm famous.
“Visibility issues for everybody going through Kind 1 diabetes,” Emily Mazreku, director of selling technique at Breakthrough T1D, stated in an accompanying announcement. And as a mom who lives with Kind 1 diabetes, she added, “it means every thing to have Barbie serving to the world see T1D and the unimaginable individuals who reside with it.”
The brand new Barbie wears steady glucose monitor (CGM), a tool that tracks blood sugar ranges, on her arm — whereas holding a telephone displaying an accompanying app. She additionally has an insulin pump hooked up to her waist. And the doll carries a blue purse that can be utilized to hold different important provides or snacks on the go.
The Barbie’s outfit is blue, too — with polka dots on an identical high and skirt set. Mattel says that this coloration and design are nods to symbols for diabetes consciousness.
This new doll “allows extra kids to see themselves mirrored in Barbie,” Mattel wrote Tuesday, and is a part of the corporate’s wider Fashionistas line dedicated to inclusivity. The road options Barbies with numerous pores and skin tones, hair colours and textures, disabilities, physique sorts and extra. Beforehand-introduced Fashionistas embody a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg and a Barbie with listening to aids. Mattel additionally launched its first doll with Down syndrome in 2023.
In line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, 38.4 million People of all ages — amounting to about 11.6% of the U.S. inhabitants — had been estimated to have diabetes as of 2021, the most recent 12 months with knowledge accessible. About 2 million had Kind 1 diabetes, together with about 304,000 kids and teenagers youthful than 20.
Barbie’s new doll with Kind 1 diabetes was additionally launched at Breakthrough T1D’s 2025 Youngsters’s Congress held in Washington, D.C. this week, the place the group is advocating for continued federal analysis funding. This 12 months, Breakthrough T1D has been notably targeted on the Particular Diabetes Program, which is at the moment set to run out in September.