South Africa’s talented Holly Rey was one of the local ambassadors selected for the new Barbie release, honouring her Type 1 Diabetes community.
South Africa (13 July 2025) – Earlier this week, a new Barbie made headlines for all the right reasons. The inclusive new Barbie is a Type 1 Diabetic (T1D). The response to the new release has been wholly positive. Right here in South Africa, two local ambassadors were selected to champion visibility. Holly Rey and Sayuri Sewsunker.
Understanding the difference between the two kinds of diabetes is essential. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy. The disease affects around 9 million people globally, and most are diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, but adults are also diagnosed, making up around 50% T1D diagnoses.
It is a misconception that Type 1 is brought on by diet and lifestyle (that would be Type 2 Diabetes). While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Sadly, there is currently no cure for T1D.
Local ambassador Holly Rey is a 29-year-old, multi-Platinum-selling, and multi-award-winning South African artist. We spoke to Holly about being asked to be a South African Barbie Ambassador for the release of the new Barbie.
We asked her how it felt to have a Barbie that represents her lived experience. Holly touches on the boost for the community, but it goes so much further than that. Barbie has the power to advocate for the community, highlighting the importance of having access to life-changing technology.
“It feels like an incredible milestone not just for me but for the entire diabetic community. Diabetic Barbie is going to do a lot to normalise Diabetes and bring visibility to the disease.”
“Barbie has always been a change maker. She had cell phones before they became a part of everyday life. Diabetic Barbie has all the latest tech. She is opening up the conversation about CGM and insulin pumps and creating awareness about the tools and treatment available to Diabetics. Maybe Diabetic Barbie will be the catalyst for Medical Aids to see the technology to Diabetics as a vital part of Chronic care.”
As for what Holly’s younger self would say about having a doll like her?
“My lived experience as a child with Diabetes was very lonely. I did not feel seen, heard or supported outside of my family environment. Friends would not invite me to birthday parties or on playdates because they were scared of my disease. They were afraid of my need to inject myself. As a result I was totally “othered”.”
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“Barbie would have normalised Diabetes and given a voice to voiceless, normalised living with Diabetes. If Barbie had come back to school with me after I had been hospitalised for two weeks and newly diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic, I think the kids would have accepted me back into the school community with greater empathy and understanding. Instead, I went from having friends and always being invited out to having no friends and being isolated. My 10-year-old self would have loved Diabetic Barbie.”
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“Don’t hide. Be open about your diabetes and stand up for yourself. By standing up for yourself you become an advocate for others. Own your Diabetes, don’t let it own you. What I have learnt in my life as a Diabetic is that it makes me unique, it allows me to see the World in a unique way and it has added huge value to my life.
I would never have become Holly Rey without my diabetes. Who knows what your diabetes will do for you.”
Perfectly said Holly, perfectly said!
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