Support Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Barbie Launches First Doll With Medical Devices

Barbie glides a doll with type 1 diabetes (Photo: Instagram/@barbie)

JAKARTA Barbie is again presenting the latest innovations that touch the heart. This time, Mattel as a Barbie producer released a collection of new dolls that represent children with type 1 diabetes. This doll comes complete with a sustainable glucose monitoring tool (CGM) and an insulin pump. This reflects the real life of type 1 diabetics with Barbie colors and spirit.

This launch is part of Barbie's efforts to expand representation and inclusiveness in its products. Mattel collaborates with global Breakthrough T1D research and advocacy organizations to ensure doll designs describe this medical condition accurately and empathically.

This latest Barbie doll appears wearing a polkadot-motivated blue blouse and matching skirts that are not chosen carelessly. Blue and circle motifs are international symbols for awareness of diabetes.

On the doll's arm, a continuous glucose monitor is attached with a pink heart plaster, a medical device commonly used to monitor blood sugar levels for 24 hours. This doll is also equipped with a Barbie mini phone that features a CGM monitoring application. In addition, the waist is installed with an insulin pump, which functions automatically to supply insulin according to body needs.

Not to forget, this Barbie carries a small multipurpose bag that can be used to store important diabetes or snacks when doing activities.

The launch of this doll received a positive response from the diabetes community. The CEO of Breakthrough T1D, Dr. Aaron J.men, called this collaboration a big step in building public awareness and strengthening children who live with type 1 diabetes.

This is a very meaningful moment. We are proud to be able to show that living with type 1 diabetes can still be fun, active, and passionate," he said, quoted from the New York Post page.

As part of this launch, Barbie also gave awards to two public figures who live with type 1 diabetes, namely Robin Arz totaling, US Peloton instructor, and Lila Moss, a British model. Both got custom edition dolls that resemble them, complete with patches and medical devices as a form of recognition for their role in inspiring the world.

Barbie's move is expected to help children living in medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes to feel seen, accepted, and represented in their beloved toys.

"Seeing a Barbie doll that looks like me, with the same patch and device, it feels amazing and very meaningful." said Lila Moss.

With a population of type 1 diabetes in the US estimated at 5 million people by 2050, representation in the form of toys is one way to foster empathy, awareness, and courage in the younger generation.