The dolls will feature a continuous glucose monitor on the arm, a mobile phone with CGM app, and an insulin pump at the waist.
New Barbie model with type 1 diabetes MATTEL.
Mattel announced on Wednesday the launch of its first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, an initiative designed to make more girls and boys feel represented in toys and promote a greater sense of inclusion and empathy from an early age. This new Barbie aims to normalize the condition of type 1 diabetes and serve as an educational tool through play.
The doll has been developed in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global organization for type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. This partnership has allowed for the accurate inclusion of the medical equipment used by people with this condition: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on the arm with a heart-shaped medical adhesive patch and a mobile phone with CGM app, as well as an insulin pump at the waist. Additionally, the doll sports a stylish outfit with blue polka dots and a light blue purse, both with a nod to the global symbols of diabetes awareness.
Laura Sánchez, Ambassador in Spain
For its launch in Spain, Barbie has chosen the renowned model and actress Laura Sánchez as its ambassador, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes four years ago. With 27 years of experience in the fashion world, Sánchez has expressed her pride and excitement for this collaboration.
"When Barbie contacted me to offer me this campaign, the first thing I thought was how proud I am to be associated with Barbie, giving visibility to a disease I live with daily, and, above all, how exciting for those girls to be able to identify with their doll. It's a real dream," Laura Sánchez confessed.
The model also emphasized the importance of "her friends being able to play with that doll, and being aware that her friend's illness is reflected in a Barbie," trusting in the power of play as a tool for development and awareness.
In Spain, the initiative is supported by the DiabetesCERO Foundation, the only Spanish foundation dedicated exclusively to financing and accelerating research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Sandra Campinas, Director of the DiabetesCERO Foundation, described the launch as "a very special milestone for the entire community of people with type 1 diabetes and their families. It is a way to make visible the reality, often invisible, of thousands of people who live day to day with monitoring, sleepless nights, and the fear of complications."
Campinas adds: "We are convinced that children with type 1 diabetes will feel very identified with this doll that naturally displays the devices they use daily and that make their lives much easier. In the end, that's what it's all about, that children only worry about being children and playing."
This launch is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, which already features over 175 looks that include diversity in skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body types, and disabilities. This includes a blind Barbie, one with Down syndrome, and another with hearing aids. The brand has also paid tribute with personalized dolls to other advocates for type 1 diabetes.