First, it was a girl in a wheelchair, and now Mattel has introduced its first-ever Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes. The newest addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line, the doll features a visible continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm—a vital medical device used by many individuals living with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels in real time.
This launch marks a significant step in the iconic brand’s ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of its fans. By introducing a Barbie who lives with a chronic medical condition, Mattel is sending a powerful message: children with diabetes deserve to see themselves represented in the toys they play with.
“Our goal is to break down barriers and normalize conversations around health,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel. “By incorporating a continuous glucose monitor into the design of this doll, we hope to increase understanding and foster empathy while empowering children with Type 1 diabetes to see a hero who looks like them.”
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that often appears in childhood, requires constant monitoring and management of blood sugar levels. The CGM, a small device typically worn on the back of the arm or abdomen, has revolutionized diabetes care by allowing users to see glucose trends in real time—something that can be life-saving for children and adults alike.
Advocates and medical professionals are applauding the move. “Representation matters in all forms, including toys,” said Dr. Aisha Khan, a pediatric endocrinologist. “When children with chronic conditions like diabetes see themselves reflected in the world around them, it can help reduce feelings of isolation and build self-confidence.”
Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes have taken to social media to express gratitude for the new Barbie, calling it “long overdue” and “a dream come true.” Many say it will help normalize the daily realities of managing diabetes—everything from insulin injections to CGM scans—and open up conversations between children, their peers, and teachers.
This isn’t the first time Mattel has expanded Barbie’s identity to include a wider spectrum of human experiences. In recent years, the company has introduced Barbies with prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, vitiligo, wheelchairs, and a variety of body types, skin tones, and hairstyles.
With the launch of the Barbie with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel continues to turn its most iconic doll into a symbol of empathy, resilience, and real-world strength. It’s not just a toy—it’s a statement that every child deserves to be seen.
The Barbie with Type 1 diabetes is now available online and in major retailers.