Mattel Introduces First Barbie Representing Type 1 Diabetes Survivors

6 hours ago 3

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mattel, the American multinational toy company, has released a Barbie doll depicting a type 1 diabetes survivor equipped with an insulin pump and glucose monitoring device. This new model is Mattel's effort to reflect many children who are type 1 diabetes survivors.

As reported by People, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Head of the Global Doll Design division, Krista Berger, stated that the launch of this Barbie doll is an important step in their 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," she said.

Barbie Doll Model with Medical Devices

In designing this Barbie model, Mattel collaborated with Breakthrough, a global organization specifically for type 1 diabetes, to ensure the medical devices on the doll are medically accurate.

Barbie has a heart-shaped continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device on her right arm connected to a phone displaying the glucose monitoring app. At the waist, there is a pink insulin pump as a tool to provide insulin needs.

Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D, responded to this collaboration as a form of similar commitment with the toy company established in 1945. Aaron added that this Barbie model is expected to portray a colorful, fun, and empowered life, despite having a medical condition, particularly type 1 Diabetes.

As cited from the WHO site, type 1 diabetes, or previously known as juvenile diabetes, is a condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin properly. Therefore, type 1 diabetes survivors depend on insulin.

Stylish Doll Appearance

This Barbie doll model looks stylish, with a light blue dress adorned with polka dots. It comes with a matching purse and booties. The light blue color was chosen to honor diabetes awareness.

Previously, Barbie has released several models representing other disabled communities, such as a visually impaired Barbie doll, Down syndrome, and other disability representation models. According to The Guardian, Barbie has appeared in more than 175 models.

This Type 1 Diabetes Barbie doll can be purchased through the official Mattel website for $10.99.

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