NEW YORK — 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 mentioned it had partnered with Breakthrough T1D — a Kind 1 diabetes analysis and advocacy group previously often called Juvenile Diabetes Analysis Basis, or JDRF — to make sure that the design of the doll “truly captures the community.” That features equipment that “accurately reflect the medical equipment” folks with Kind 1 diabetes may have, the California-based firm famous.
“Visibility matters for everyone facing Type 1 diabetes,” Emily Mazreku, director of promoting technique at Breakthrough T1D, mentioned in an accompanying announcement. And as a mom who lives with Kind 1 diabetes, she added, “it means everything to have Barbie helping the world see T1D and the incredible people who live 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 shade and design are nods to symbols for diabetes consciousness.
This new doll “enables more children to see themselves reflected 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 keeping 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 — have been estimated to have diabetes as of 2021, the newest 12 months with knowledge accessible. About 2 million had Kind 1 diabetes, together with about 304,000 youngsters and teenagers youthful than 20.
Barbie’s new doll with Kind 1 diabetes was additionally launched at Breakthrough T1D’s 2025 Kids’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 significantly targeted on the Particular Diabetes Program, which is at the moment set to run out in September.
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