How a new doll is raising awareness about type 1 diabetes

Approximately 304,000 American children are living with type 1 diabetes. Now, a Barbie doll is too. 

In partnership with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Barbie maker Mattel designed a new doll with a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump. The doll also comes with a phone opened to a glucose monitoring app.  

“The doll will represent people with diabetes to all fans of Barbie,” says Dr. Jennifer May, an endocrinologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Having diabetes and wearing diabetes technology can make some people feel different and isolated. Having a Barbie with diabetes will show children and adults with diabetes that they are not alone.”

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin, which is necessary for sugar to enter the body’s cells and create energy. Children with type 1 diabetes require constant monitoring and regular insulin injections to prevent low blood sugar. Certain genetic markers increase a child’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes, but more than 90% of children with type 1 diabetes are the only person in their family to have the condition. 

Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed between 4 and 6 years of age or at the onset of puberty. Symptoms of the chronic condition include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision and new bedwetting.  

“Living with diabetes is an everyday challenge,” says Dr. May. “Having a Barbie with diabetes can make a child who is also living with diabetes feel represented and heard. Health care professionals look forward to seeing how the doll can help raise diabetes awareness and representation, especially among the youth.” 

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