For the first time ever, Barbie has launched a doll with type 1 diabetes… and she’s giving hope, joy and visibility to millions around the globe.
Global (09 July 2025) – Barbie just made history again… but this time, it’s with a small accessory that’s making a huge impact.
For the first time ever, Barbie has released a doll designed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mind, complete with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) on her arm and an insulin pump clipped to her waist. It’s a bold step toward inclusion, empathy and representation that’s bringing comfort, joy, and even healing to families around the world.
She’s dressed in a bright blue polka dot outfit, a deliberate nod to the global colour and symbol for diabetes awareness, and she’s already being called a hero by kids, parents and adults alike who see themselves in her tiny but powerful form.
“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “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.”
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. It’s a lifelong condition that requires constant monitoring, care and management… and now, it’s being reflected in one of the most iconic toys ever created.
This new Barbie is a conversation starter, a source of comfort and a symbol of possibility.
As one parent shared on social media, “My daughter is 5 with T1D. We showed her this and she said ‘I love it! She is like me!’ Thank you Barbie!”
Another comment read, “Been a T1D since I was 9 months old, and growing up I never saw a doll that looked like me. This is healing my inner child 🥹”
And the emotional impact goes far beyond childhood memories.
“I’m bawling reading this as a mother living with type 1 diabetes and wish I could have had one of these as a kid myself. This is so awesome!! Thank you Barbie!! And Breakthrough Type One Diabetes.”
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, is one of the organisations working tirelessly to improve life for those living with type 1 diabetes. Their partnership with Barbie helped bring this inclusive design to life – a small move that’s having a massive ripple effect.
Locally, this doll is supported by the Diabetes Alliance, a national coalition of organisations and individuals committed to improving the lives of people living with diabetes in South Africa.
“The introduction of a Barbie doll with a continuous glucose monitor or CGM is a powerful moment for diabetes awareness. It reflects one of the most important innovations in diabetes care in recent years, namely continuous glucose monitoring, which has transformed the lives of many people living with diabetes, especially children. By bringing this reality into the hands of children everywhere, we help reduce stigma, spark empathy, and foster important conversations in families, schools, and communities,” says Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson, Diabetes Alliance South Africa.
Barbie also honoured two global role models and type 1 diabetes advocates – Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón in the US and model Lila Moss in the UK. South Africa has two local ambassadors championing visibility for T1B, Holly Rey, the 29-year-old Multi-Platinum selling, and Multi-Award Winning South African artist, and 10-year-old dancer, Sayuri Sewsunker.
“Growing up with Type 1 Diabetes, I always felt like an outsider. I was looked at like I had something wrong with me and was bullied as a result of it. Diabetes was viewed as something that you did to yourself and this lack of understanding led to being called names, being left out of activities, birthday parties and sports teams. The truth is, I found a lot of comfort in playing with my Barbie’s as a child. If there was a Barbie with type 1 diabetes back then, I think it would have really changed my life. Not only would it have made me feel seen and feel like there was nothing wrong with me, but it also would have made kids at school realise that having Diabetes does not mean that there is something wrong with you, in fact it makes you special. Because if Barbie has Diabetes, then it must be ok for me to have diabetes, it might even be cool,” says Holly Rey.
“I truly believe that this Barbie with Diabetes is going to create so much awareness around Diabetes and change the narrative around what diabetes is and who it looks like. Diabetes, type 1 and 2, affects millions of people and I think that this Barbie is going to ignite some very important conversations that need to be had, not just with kids, but with adults, society and healthcare system decision makers.”
One social media user summed it up perfectly: “Just ordered one for my daughter. She’s not type one, but I am. I want her to grow up compassionate and understanding of other people’s differences and grasp how unique their individual experiences may be. 💕 Wish this doll was around when I was diagnosed at 5 years old.”
At its core, this doll is showing the next generation (and reminding the rest of us) that every life is worth celebrating. That diversity is powerful. And that sometimes, it’s the tiniest touches that can make the biggest difference.
The new doll will be available in South Africa soon.
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This isn’t just a doll, it’s an empowering move away from diabetes stigma and towards acceptance of a chronic condition that children might otherwise feel they need to hide. Sweet Life loves it!