Free Trial

Mattel introduces its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes

This photo provided by Mattel, Inc., shows the new Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D). (Mattel, Inc. via AP)

Key Points

  • Mattel has introduced its first Barbie doll representing a person with Type 1 diabetes, complete with a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump and accessories for essential supplies.
  • The doll was developed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D to ensure its design authentically reflects the medical equipment used by those living with the condition.
  • This release expands Mattel’s inclusive Fashionistas line, which already features dolls with various abilities and backgrounds, including a Ken with a prosthetic leg and a Barbie with hearing aids.
  • The new doll debuted at Breakthrough T1D’s 2025 Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C., as advocates push for continued federal research funding for Type 1 diabetes.
  • MarketBeat previews top five stocks to own in August.

NEW YORK (AP) — Mattel has introduced its first Barbie representing a person with Type 1 diabetes, as part of wider efforts from the toy maker to increase inclusivity among its dolls.

In an announcement Tuesday, Mattel said it had partnered with Breakthrough T1D — a Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF — to ensure that the design of the doll “truly captures the community." That includes accessories that “accurately reflect the medical equipment" people with Type 1 diabetes may need, the California-based company noted.

“Visibility matters for everyone facing Type 1 diabetes,” Emily Mazreku, director of marketing strategy at Breakthrough T1D, said in an accompanying announcement. And as a mother who lives with Type 1 diabetes, she added, “it means everything to have Barbie helping the world see T1D and the incredible people who live with it.”

The new Barbie wears continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that tracks blood sugar levels, on her arm — while holding a phone displaying an accompanying app. She also has an insulin pump attached to her waist. And the doll carries a blue purse that can be used to carry other essential supplies or snacks on the go.

The Barbie's outfit is blue, too — with polka dots on a matching top and skirt set. Mattel says that this color and design are nods to symbols for diabetes awareness.

This new doll “enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie,” Mattel wrote Tuesday, and is part of the company's wider Fashionistas line committed to inclusivity. The line features Barbies with various skin tones, hair colors and textures, disabilities, body types and more. Previously-introduced Fashionistas include a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg and a Barbie with hearing aids. Mattel also introduced its first doll with Down syndrome in 2023.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38.4 million Americans of all ages — amounting to about 11.6% of the U.S. population — were estimated to have diabetes as of 2021, the latest year with data available. About 2 million had Type 1 diabetes, including about 304,000 children and teens younger than 20.

Barbie's new doll with Type 1 diabetes was also introduced at Breakthrough T1D's 2025 Children’s Congress held in Washington, D.C. this week, where the organization is advocating for continued federal research funding. This year, Breakthrough T1D has been particularly focused on the Special Diabetes Program, which is currently set to expire in September.

Where Should You Invest $1,000 Right Now?

Before you make your next trade, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis.

Our team has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and none of the big name stocks were on the list.

They believe these five stocks are the five best companies for investors to buy now...

See The Five Stocks Here

A Beginner's Guide to Investing in Cannabis Cover

Unlock your free copy of MarketBeat's comprehensive guide to pot stock investing and discover which cannabis companies are poised for growth. Plus, you'll get exclusive access to our daily newsletter with expert stock recommendations from Wall Street's top analysts.

Get This Free Report
Like this article? Share it with a colleague.

Featured Articles and Offers

Recent Videos

Don’t Miss These Top 3 Defense Stocks Set To Gain
Triple-Digit Gains: These 4 Nuclear Stocks Have Even More Upside Ahead
3 Made in America Stocks Under $20 You Need to See!

Stock Lists

All Stock Lists

Investing Tools

Calendars and Tools

Search Headlines