Breakthrough T1D and Mattel have partnered to debut the first Barbie® doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
This groundbreaking global collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the millions of people living with T1D are seen, heard, and empowered.
“Visibility matters for everyone facing type 1 diabetes,” said Emily Mazreku, Director, Marketing Strategy, at Breakthrough T1D. “As a mom living with T1D, it means everything to have Barbie helping the world see T1D and the incredible people who live with it.”
The Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes was introduced to the T1D community at the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress, where more than 160 children living with T1D from around the world were in attendance to advocate for continued Federal research funding.
“I would have loved a T1D Barbie growing up. Imagine one for sale on the shelf that shows the world that it is cool to wear your T1D devices for all to see.”
T1D Community Member
Intentional design
Barbie was thoughtfully created with input from the type 1 diabetes community, ensuring the lived experience of T1D was fully represented. Her features include:
- A blue polka dot top and matching skirt—a nod to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness
- An insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To keep her CGM in place, she has heart-shaped medical tape—Barbie pink, of course!
- A phone that displays a CGM app to help Barbie track her blood sugar levels throughout the day
- A purse for Barbie to carry her T1D supplies and low snacks when she’s on the go
Community visibility through play
The Barbie doll with T1D is part of the Barbie Fashionista series. As the brand’s most diverse doll line, the Barbie Fashionistas series offers more than 175 looks in a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions. These dolls aim to advance Barbie’s continued goal of reflecting a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion, allowing more children to see their world reflected through play.
The Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes is available for purchase on the Mattel Shop and at all major retailers.
