New Barbie with type 1 diabetes is here – and she's got pink patches and a matching insulin pump
Mattel’s latest inclusive Barbie is designed for kids with T1D – and it’s already being called ‘a powerful role model’
Barbie’s had many makeovers, but her latest update might be one of the most meaningful yet – especially for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Mattel has just launched its first-ever Barbie doll with T1D, designed to help more children feel seen in their play. And yes, she’s rocking a pink heart-shaped glucose monitor patch, a matching insulin pump, and a blue polka-dot outfit that’s a quiet but powerful nod to diabetes awareness.
The new doll, which is part of Barbie’s Fashionistas line, has been developed in collaboration with diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D and is already being praised by families, advocates, and those living with the condition.
A big leap for inclusive play
This isn’t just a doll – it’s representation, recognition and reassurance in one tiny box.
The new Barbie wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) on her arm – secured with heart-shaped medical tape – and a discreet insulin pump on her waistband. She also carries a mobile phone featuring a CGM app to help her monitor blood sugar levels, along with a blue handbag for snacks or emergency supplies.
Even her outfit has purpose: her blue polka dot top and skirt echo the global symbol for diabetes awareness – the blue circle.
Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation. Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.
Lila Moss: “Completely surreal” to see a Barbie that looks like me
British model Lila Moss, who lives with T1D and often wears her own insulin pump and CGM patches on the catwalk, was honoured with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll created in her likeness.
“I think to have a Barbie doll that looks like me with type 1 diabetes is completely surreal,” she said at the launch event. “It makes me very proud to be able to represent this community.”
Moss has spoken openly about receiving daily messages from young people who feel encouraged by seeing her wear her diabetes tech visibly. “It’s really important to embrace this technology,” she said. “It makes living with diabetes so much easier and more practical. I think my younger self would be really excited.”
A Barbie that celebrates strength
The new doll has received widespread praise from diabetes charities and campaigners. Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Barbie now includes a doll with type 1 diabetes. For children with T1D who don’t often see themselves represented, this doll will be a powerful role model, celebrating their strength and bringing recognition, inclusion and joy to their play.”
Representation matters – especially in childhood. Seeing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes helps normalise the condition, reduce stigma and show children that they are not alone.
Barbie also donated a number of the new dolls to the 2025 Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress in Washington, DC, an event that brings together young T1D delegates from across the world to advocate for change.
Barbie’s inclusive makeover continues
Over the past few years, Mattel has steadily expanded Barbie’s world to better reflect real life. The Fashionistas range now features over 175 diverse dolls, including Black Barbie with Down’s syndrome, dolls with hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, vitiligo, and a blind Barbie with a cane.
Barbie’s efforts don’t stop at appearance either – this new line also commits to using a minimum of 50% ISCC-certified bio-circular plastic, with all packaging made from FSC-certified materials.
It’s a clear sign that the brand is growing up alongside the children who play with it – and listening to the parents who want their kids to feel seen.
Where to buy
The Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes is available now, priced at £13.99.
Whether your child lives with T1D or not, this is a toy that encourages empathy, education and inclusive play – and that’s something we can all celebrate.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.