Latest news with #AaronJ.Kowalski
News18
09-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Mattel Unveils First-Ever Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes In Push for Inclusivity
Last Updated: Type 1 Diabetes Barbie Doll: Mattel has launched a new Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes. The type 1 diabetes Barbie doll comes with a glucose monitor and insulin pump. Type 1 Diabetes Barbie Doll: Mattel has taken a major step toward fostering inclusivity and real-world representation by introducing its first-ever Barbie Type 1 diabetes (T1D) doll. Unveiled as part of the 2025 Barbie Fashionistas line, this ground-breaking doll is designed to reflect the lives of children managing the condition, showcasing medical tools like a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump, along with fashion inspired by global diabetes awareness symbols. This new launch underscores Mattel's growing commitment to diversity in its toys. Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, said, 'Introducing a Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation. Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world, and through inclusive representation, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love." To ensure authenticity and relevance, Barbie collaborated with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a leading nonprofit dedicated to Type 1 diabetes research, support, and advocacy. The doll's design incorporates a CGM placed on her arm and secured with heart-shaped pink tape, and an insulin pump fastened to her waist, details that resonate deeply with those living with T1D. She is dressed in a blue polka-dot ensemble, symbolising diabetes awareness and echoing international health campaigns. Aaron J. Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D and someone who has managed Type 1 diabetes since his early teens, celebrated the collaboration. 'It means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families," he shared. In addition to the doll, Barbie is spotlighting real-life T1D role models. Model Lila Moss and fitness trainer Robin Arzón (both of whom live with the condition) have been named ambassadors for the new doll. Their voices and advocacy efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering empowerment within the diabetes community. By blending imaginative play with meaningful representation, the latest Barbie offers both education and affirmation, allowing children to see their realities reflected in one of the world's most iconic toys. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Seven signs of major condition that affects thousands of Irish as special Barbie launched in ‘surreal' move
BARBIE has made a huge announcement, bringing out a brand new doll with a very common illness that impacts thousands of Irish. For years, the underrepresentation of different types of looks and 5 The doll is modelled after and honours English model Lila Moss, who is a type 1 diabetes advocate Credit: HANDOUT 5 The doll is a first of its kind Credit: HANDOUT 5 Between 20,000 and 30,000 people in Ireland have type 1 diabetes Credit: Getty Images - Getty Many young In recent years, toy manufacturers have been leading the way in making children feel represented with the toys they play with. Now, the Barbie Fashionistas line features more than 175 looks with various skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, There is also the Blind Barbie doll, a Black Barbie doll with READ MORE IN HEALTH Now, In a first of its kind, this new Barbie doll will have type 1 The huge It is being developed in an effort to allow more kids to see themselves represented and reflected, and encourage children to engage in doll play that extends beyond a child's lived experience. Most read in Health Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D said: 'We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes. "I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many PERFECT DETAILING "It's an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.' Every single detail will be recognised by those who live with the condition, from the medical equipment all the way down to the The new dolls will include: A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): The doll wears a CGM on her arm to help manage her type 1 diabetes. CGMs are small, wearable devices that continuously measure a person's blood-sugar levels. To keep her CGM in place, she uses heart-shaped medical tape – Barbie pink, of course – along with a phone that displays a CGM app to help track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. An Insulin Pump: Barbie has an insulin pump, a small, wearable medical device that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed, attached to her waist. A Blue Polka Dot Outfit: The doll wears a stylish polka dot top and matching skirt with ruffles. Both the colour blue and circle print are nods to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness. A Purse: The doll comes with a pastel blue purse, perfect for Barbie to carry any essentials, such as type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks, when she's on the go. The doll is modelled after and honours English model Lila Moss, who is a type 1 diabetes advocate and daughter of Lila said: 'I am proud to use my platform to educate around type 1 diabetes and show that being different is cool. "Receiving messages from people who see my patches and feel represented means everything to me. "To be able to now see Barbie dolls with T1D, and to receive a Barbie doll that visibly looks like me even wearing her patches, is both surreal and special." ALLOWING KIDS TO SEE THEMSELVES REPRESENTED Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls said: "Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our 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." The Barbie brand has also honoured It's believed that between 20,000 and 30,000 people in Ireland have type 1 diabetes. The autoimmune condition causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high. This causes the immune system to attack and destroy the cells that produce insulin, the hormone which keeps the glucose in the blood at the correct range. The only treatment available is insulin, and you may require daily injections or need to use an insulin pump once diagnosed. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can come on quickly, especially in children. SYMPTOMS feel very thirsty pee more than usual, particularly at night feel very tired lose weight without trying have thrush that keeps coming back have blurred vision have cuts and grazes that are not healing Your GP will take some blood samples and check your blood glucose (sugar) level. It's important to get it checked, as there is a risk of short and long-term complications which can include highs and lows in blood sugar, damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart, and even death. Globally, it impacts almost 9 million people, and there is currently no cure. The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, will be available on Mattel Shop and retailers nationwide for €13.99. 5 The Barbie brand has also honoured US type 1 diabetes advocate Robin Arzón Credit: HANDOUT 5 The dolls feature accurate medical equipment Credit: HANDOUT
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Barbie Just Released Its First Doll with Type 1 Diabetes, and It's a Game-Changer for Millions of Kids
Barbie is once again breaking new ground, this time with the introduction of its first-ever doll representing a person with Type 1 diabetes. The doll's addition to Mattel's Fashionistas line, which champions diversity and inclusion, comes equipped with her own medical devices: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm and an insulin pump clipped to her waist. This thoughtfully designed doll aims to allow children to see themselves reflected in the toys they play with, helping to normalize chronic health conditions from an early age. The doll's accessories include the wearable tech essential for managing Type 1 diabetes, featuring a CGM sensor held in place with a, Barbie-pink heart-shaped adhesive patch. She also carries a phone displaying a glucose-tracking app and a light blue purse to hold snacks or other essential supplies. According to a press release, Mattel collaborated closely with Breakthrough T1D, an organization for Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, to ensure authenticity and accuracy. The partnership was crucial in designing a doll that reflects the lived experience of those with the condition, the brand says. This includes the doll's outfit-a blue polka-dot crop top and matching ruffled skirt-is a nod to the global symbols for diabetes awareness. "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," said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel. Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D, shared the significance of the collaboration. "I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was three, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families," Kowalski stated. The release has been met with widespread enthusiasm, particularly from the Type 1 diabetes community. An Instagram commenter wrote, "Omg!!! This is the best thing I have ever seen. THANK YOU!!!!! Would love to see a Ken doll added to this collection for my son." "I would have absolutely *LOVED* this when I was diagnosed at 5," another person posted. "I guess I can still play with her at 34 with my own daughter." "When I was diagnosed at 6 yrs old, THIS would have meant the WORLD to me. There was simply no representation of T1D in 1979, and kids thought I was contagious," another commented. "Oh who am I kidding, this means the world to me NOW. Once a Barbie girl, ALWAYS a Barbie fan!" "I'm 47, have been diagnosed with type 1 diabet3s when I was 8 years old," another Instagram user wrote. "This Barbie is what I've waited for my whole life." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
08-07-2025
- Health
Barbie introduces 1st doll with Type 1 diabetes
Barbie is launching its first doll with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel announced Tuesday. The new doll features a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump, two medical devices that people use, carry or wear when they have Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body doesn't make any or enough of the insulin hormone. "Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation," Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said in a statement. "Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like [Type 1 diabetes], we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love." The toy company teamed up with the nonprofit Breakthrough T1D to design and bring the doll, part of its Fashionistas line, to life. According to Mattel, Barbie's continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, is held in place with heart-shaped medical tape in a "Barbie pink" hue that's paired with a toy phone that displays a CGM app, which helps Barbie track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. Barbie also carries an insulin pump that's connected to her waist. The doll's outfit is a matching blue polka-dot top and skirt set with a circle print representing the symbol for diabetes awareness. Barbie also carries a pastel blue purse where she can stash any snacks or Type 1 diabetes supplies she might need. "We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes," Breakthrough T1D CEO Aaron J. Kowalski said in a statement. "I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal -- it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It's an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering." In addition to the doll, Barbie is also introducing two more dolls of Peloton fitness instructor Robin Arzón in the U.S. and model Lila Moss in the U.K., both of whom are Type 1 diabetes advocates as well. "After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a decade ago, I've found a lot of purpose in advocating for people with the condition and educating others about it because knowledge is power -- especially for young minds," Arzón said in a statement. "It's an absolute honor to receive a Barbie doll as a part of the brand's efforts to grow awareness and representation surrounding type 1 diabetes, so that we can help show kids that all types of challenges give us all the more reason to push forward and achieve our dreams." In a separate statement, Moss said she was "proud" to use her platform to educate others about Type 1 diabetes "and show that being different is cool." "Receiving messages from people who see my patches and feel represented means everything to me," said Moss. "To be able to now see Barbie dolls with [Type 1 diabetes], and to receive a Barbie doll that visibly looks like me even wearing her patches, is both surreal and special." The Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes is available on Mattel Shop and stores across the country.
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Barbie® Introduces First-Ever Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes to Expand Representation and Inspire More Children
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that Barbie® is debuting the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This addition to the line enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child's own lived experience, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion and empathy – all pillars of the Barbie brand's mission. 'Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,' said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. '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.' To ensure the doll design truly captures the community, Barbie partnered with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. T1D is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and or long-term complications. Barbie worked closely with Breakthrough T1D to accurately reflect the medical equipment those with this condition may utilize and the doll's look, all the way down to the dress pattern: Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): The doll wears a CGM on her arm to help manage her type 1 diabetes. CGMs are small, wearable devices that continuously measure a person's blood-sugar levels. To keep her CGM in place, she uses heart-shaped medical tape – Barbie pink, of course – along with a phone that displays a CGM app to help track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. Insulin Pump: Barbie has an insulin pump, a small, wearable medical device that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed, attached to her waist. Blue Polka Dot Outfit: The doll wears a stylish polka dot top and matching skirt with ruffles. Both the color blue and circle print are nods to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness. Purse: The doll comes with a pastel blue purse, perfect for Barbie to carry any essentials, such as type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks, when she's on the go. 'We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,' said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. 'I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It's an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.' In continued partnership with Breakthrough T1D, Barbie donated dolls to the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress. The biennial event, July 7-9, brings 170 children living with type 1 diabetes, ages 4-17, to Washington, DC, to meet face-to-face with members of Congress. The youth delegates travel to the nation's capital from all 50 states and Breakthrough T1D's international affiliates in the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, and Canada. Barbie also honored two global role models and type 1 diabetes advocates – Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón in the US and model Lila Moss in the UK – with their own one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls. Arzón unveiled the new Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes and her one-of-a-kind Barbie doll at Peloton Studios NY on July 8th. Attendees and Members of the type 1 diabetes community were delighted to experience this first-of-its-kind unveiling moment. 'After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a decade ago, I've found a lot of purpose in advocating for people with the condition and educating others about it because knowledge is power – especially for young minds,' said Arzón. 'It's an absolute honor to receive a Barbie doll as a part of the brand's efforts to grow awareness and representation surrounding type 1 diabetes, so that we can help show kids that all types of challenges give us all the more reason to push forward and achieve our dreams.' Lila Moss says, 'I am proud to use my platform to educate around type 1 diabetes and show that being different is cool. Receiving messages from people who see my patches and feel represented means everything to me. To be able to now see Barbie dolls with T1D, and to receive a Barbie doll that visibly looks like me even wearing her patches, is both surreal and special.' The Barbie Fashionistas line features more than 175 looks across various skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles, including a Blind Barbie doll, a Barbie doll with Down Syndrome, and a Barbie doll with Hearing Aids, among others. In 2020, Barbie kicked off a multi-year study with researchers at Cardiff University on the short-term and long-term benefits of doll play. It has been found that doll play serves an incredible purpose during key developmental stages, as it may help set children on a course for success by fostering empathy and developing social skills needed to excel, all while imagining their futures on an equal playing field. The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls commit to a minimum of 50% ISCC-Certified bio-circular plastic (Mass Balance Approach), with all boxes made from FSC-certified materials. By incorporating ISCC-certified plastic into these dolls, Barbie aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials in support of a more circular economy. The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, are now available on Mattel Shop and at retailers nationwide. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition. About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D. MAT-BARB
