Mattel announced that it has partnered with type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization Breakthrough T1D to create and release a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, which will come equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump.
The doll wears a CGM on her arm "to help manage her type 1 diabetes" with heart-shaped medical tape to keep the CGM in place. She will also have a phone that displays a CGM app "to help her track her blood sugar levels throughout the day."
Barbie also has an insulin pump attached to her waist that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed, Mattel said.
The doll wears a blue polka dot outfit as a nod to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness, Mattel said, and holds a pastel blue purse for "type 1 diabetes supplies and snacks [for] when she's on the go."
Mattel partnered with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, to ensure the design accurately captured the type 1 diabetes community.
The toy manufacturing and entertainment company said it is releasing the doll so more children can see themselves reflected in Barbie dolls and to encourage children to play with others to foster a greater sense of inclusion and empathy.
The company also announced it honored two type 1 diabetes advocates, Peloton instructor Robin Arzón in the U.S. and model Lila Moss in the UK, with their own Barbie doll versions.
"We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes," Aaron J. Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D, said in a statement.
"I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It's an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering."
THE LARGER TREND
Between 2002 and 2018, the number of children and adolescents diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes rose in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In 2002, the annual incidence rate of type 1 diabetes among youth was 20 per 100,000. By 2018, it climbed to 22 per 100,000, an average yearly increase of approximately 2%.
If the rate of new diagnoses continues to increase, the CDC reports, type 1 diabetes cases would rise about 65% by 2060.
