In Greta Gerwig's enchanting "Barbie" movie, Barbieland emerges as a utopia celebrating equality and diversity. Yet, despite the dolls' long-standing presence since 1959, it wasn't until 2019 that Mattel, the esteemed manufacturer, embarked on a revolutionary journey by introducing Barbies with physical disabilities. Now, Mattel has taken another bold stride by unveiling its pioneering Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, the latest gem in a collection designed to "mirror more children's identities, fostering imaginative play that transcends personal experiences."
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder where the body turns against its own pancreas, destroying insulin-producing cells, is often diagnosed in childhood. Patients, thus, need to meticulously monitor their glucose levels and administer insulin daily.
This groundbreaking Barbie doll is a collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, a global non-profit dedicated to Type 1 diabetes. Adorned with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, the doll sports Barbie-pink, heart-shaped medical tape to secure it in place. In her possession, a mobile phone with a CGM app aids in tracking blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Further, the doll wears an insulin pump, providing automated insulin doses as required, and carries a spacious bag filled with essentials like snacks for on-the-go needs.
Announcing this doll, Krista Berger, Senior Vice-President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, heralded it as "a pivotal milestone in our pledge towards inclusivity and representation." She emphasized, "Barbie molds children's nascent perceptions of the world. By mirroring medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids see themselves in the tales they conjure and the dolls they adore."
Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, expressed her elation, stating, "I'm overjoyed that Barbie now embraces a doll with Type 1 diabetes. For children with T1D who rarely witness their own reflection, this doll serves as an empowering role model, celebrating their resilience and fostering recognition, inclusion, and joy in their playtime."
Throughout the decades, Barbie has evolved, with the first black dolls introduced in the 1960s, Hispanic dolls in the 1980s, and dolls portraying careers underrepresented by women in the 1990s and 2000s. It wasn't until six years ago that Barbies with disabilities made their debut.
Today, the fashionistas range boasts over 175 diverse Barbie looks, encompassing various skin tones, eye and hair colors, textures, body types, and disabilities. The collection includes a blind Barbie, a black Barbie with Down's syndrome, dolls with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, and even a Barbie with vitiligo.
Barbie isn't the sole brand emphasizing diversity. Lottie offers dolls with Down's syndrome and autism, while Lego presents a spectrum of minifigures featuring physical and invisible disabilities.
Reacting to the announcement, Arjun Panesar, founding CEO of diabetes.co.uk, remarked, "Representation holds immense significance, particularly in childhood. Witnessing a Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes helps normalize the condition, diminish stigma, and assures children they're not solitary in their journey. It's a commendable stride towards fostering confidence, inclusion, and understanding amidst diabetes."
