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The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Mattel launches Barbie doll with diabetes
Mattel has launched its first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes in a bid to foster a greater sense of inclusion and empathy among children, a company vice-president said Tuesday. The new Barbie has been designed in partnership with the global type 1 diabetes not-for-profit Breakthrough T1D."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." Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is often diagnosed in childhood, and patients have to monitor their glucose levels and take insulin every day. The new doll wears a CGM -- a small device that continuously measures a person's blood sugar -- on her arm to help manage her condition. To keep her CGM in place, she uses a pink heart-shaped medical tape along with a phone that displays an app to help track her blood sugar levels throughout the day. She also has an insulin pump, a small, wearable medical device that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed, attached to her waist. The doll is wearing a blue polka dot top and matching skirt inspired by global diabetes awareness symbols. Alongside the new model, the company also launched a bespoke Lila Moss doll, complete with the CGM paraphernalia. Moss, daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 12 years old. For several years Mattel has aimed to diversify its models, particularly those of the iconic doll Barbie, after having offered for decades -- barring a few exceptions -- a young, lithe blonde white woman with high heels. Since 2016 the California company notably launched "curvy," "petite" and "tall" versions of Barbie. In 2019, the company unveiled a line of "gender-inclusive" dolls as well as those with physical disabilities.
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Paralympian David Wetherill breaks marathon record on crutches
A former Team GB Paralympian has broken the record for running a marathon on crutches in the fastest Wetherill, who played table tennis at three Paralympic Games, has used crutches every day since he was 10 due to having a bone condition called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED).Mr Wetherill, who lives in Plymouth but grew up in Torpoint, in Cornwall, completed the London Marathon on Sunday in 5:59:05, beating the previous record of 6:11:11. He said beating the record, combined with raising money for charity, made it "one of the most beautiful days of my life". 'A bit dazed' "It was unbelievable, honestly, probably the best achievement I've ever done", he told John Acres at Breakfast on BBC Radio Devon."That sense of achievement is unparalleled it was incredible."Mr Wetherill said the aim of completing the race in under six hours was motivating him towards the end of the marathon. "When I crossed the line I was a bit dazed," he said. "To beat it by 12 minutes in the end, obviously in the back of my mind that was driving me forward."The reason why we were doing this though was driving me much, much more."He added: "Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days of my life, if not the most beautiful." Mr Wetherill ran the marathon to raise money for type 1 diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D."I have unbelievable gratitude and thanks to everyone who has supported us," he said."We have raised about £15,000 and that's what it's all about really and that has just blown us away."The time and getting to the finish line is just beyond what we could have ever dreamt."
