Latest news with #JDRF
Washington Post
7 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Mattel introduces its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes
NEW YORK — Mattel has introduced its first Barbie representing a person with Type 1 diabetes, as part of wider efforts from the toy maker to increase inclusivity among its dolls. In an announcement Tuesday, Mattel said it had partnered with Breakthrough T1D — a Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF — to ensure that the design of the doll 'truly captures the community.' That includes accessories that 'accurately reflect the medical equipment' people with Type 1 diabetes may need, the California-based company noted.
Euronews
7 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
Supermodel Lila Moss launches first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes
Supermodel Kate Moss's daughter Lila has launched the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes in a bid to raise awareness, boost representation and inspire children. Moss, 22, a global role model for type 1 diabetes, has also been honoured with her own-one-of-kind doll. Behind the new Barbie lies not only the Mattel brand's sensitivity to the needs of little ones, but also specific knowledge and collaboration with the medical community. The project was developed with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), an organisation which for years has been conducting research and activities to support people living with type 1 diabetes. The new Barbie not only wears a stylish polka dot outfit (both the colour blue and circle print are nods to global symbols of diabetes awareness), but also realistically replicates the everyday elements of treatment: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin pump and accessories that children with T1D know from their own lives. Type 1 diabetes: life under constant control Type 1 diabetesis a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body stops producing insulin - a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. The disease requires daily monitoring and treatment with insulin and can lead to serious complications. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the result of poor diet or lifestyle, and its causes are still not fully understood. It is also increasingly being diagnosed in adults; up to half of new cases are estimated to be in people over the age of 18. Representation that matters The new doll has been enthusiastically received by the T1D community. Mattel also honoured fitness instructor Robin Arzón for her advocacy on diabetes. Both Arzón and Moss received their own one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls - created in their likeness, with medical details included. Lila Moss has been open about her illness for years and does not hide her sugar monitoring devices even on the red carpet. In a statement, Lila Moss 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.' A Barbie that reflects reality Barbie from T1D is the brand's next step towards real representation. For years, the Fashionistas line has been expanding with dolls of different skin colours, silhouettes, disabilities and stories. The collection already includes dolls with blindness, Down syndrome, hearing aids or prosthetics, among others. The 2025 Barbie Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, are now available on Mattel Shop and at retailers nationwide.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Barbie's chic new doll has type 1 diabetes and it is making a request to the US government
Barbie doll is once again back in spotlight, but it's for a new fashion trend this time. Popular toymaker Mattel has introduced its first-ever Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes . The doll comes with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin pump and a pastel-blue purse which is filled with diabetic essentials. But apart from this, the diabetes special version of Barbie doll is also making an appeal to the US government. The doll is asking the US government to renew the funding for the Special Diabetes Program . Barbie's chic new doll has type 1 diabetes Mattel has launched the Type 1 diabetes edition of barbie in partnership with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). The latest Barbie doll joins the brand's inclusive Fashionistas line, which already features dolls with Down syndrome, hearing aids, and vitiligo. The new Barbie, dressed in a chic blue polka-dot outfit (a nod to global diabetes awareness colours), proudly features a CGM on her arm, secured with heart-shaped medical tape, and an insulin pump clipped to her waist. She also comes with a miniature smartphone displaying a glucose tracking app and a pastel blue purse for essential diabetes supplies and snacks. Barbie doll which comes with mission The release of the diabetes special Barbie coincides with 2025 Breakthrough T1D Children's Congress. It is a biennial event where over 170 children living with Type 1 diabetes travel to Washington, D.C., to meet lawmakers. Mattel has donated dolls to the event to help amplify the message — extend federal funding for the Special Diabetes Program. The program supports research and care of 300,000+ American children living with the condition. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Barbie gets a glucose monitor: Mattel unveils first-ever Type 1 diabetes doll
Barbie launches a new doll with type 1 diabetes to represent inclusivity. (Pic credits- @barbie) Barbie just got a little more relatable—and a lot more real. In a move that's both heartwarming and a little bit quirky, Mattel has launched its very first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, complete with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin pump, and even a purse for snacks. Yes, Barbie can now check her blood sugar before heading to the Dreamhouse pool party. The new doll, part of the 2025 Barbie Fashionistas line, was created in partnership with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the world's leading Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy group. Breakthrough T1D is dedicated to funding research, advocating for affordable access to care, and supporting individuals and families affected by Type 1 diabetes. Their collaboration with Mattel ensured that the doll's design authentically reflects the real experiences of people living with T1D, right down to the Barbie-pink, heart-shaped medical tape holding her CGM in place and the insulin pump clipped to her waist. Barbie's outfit is a nod to global diabetes awareness, featuring a blue polka-dot top and skirt with a circle motif—an international symbol for diabetes. She even comes with a toy phone displaying a CGM app, showing 'real-time' blood sugar data, and a pastel blue purse that's just the right size for emergency snacks or diabetes supplies. The blood sugar readings on Barbie's phone were carefully chosen to reflect the real-life highs and lows of living with Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means people with T1D must carefully monitor their blood sugar and rely on insulin therapy for life. The latest global data shows there are about 9.5 million people living with Type 1 diabetes in 2025, with nearly 1.85 million under the age of disease is on the rise worldwide, especially in children and adolescents, and it requires constant management to prevent serious health complications. The doll's debut was the talk of the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress in Washington, D.C., where 170 young delegates living with T1D from around the globe gathered to advocate for research and share their stories. For many, seeing a Barbie that looks like them—medical devices and all—was more than just a toy; it was a validation. Emily Mazreku, Breakthrough T1D's director of marketing strategy (and a person living with T1D herself), shared, 'Living with type 1 diabetes involves experiencing highs and lows—both emotionally and physically. We wanted Barbie to reflect that reality in a way that's empowering and visible for kids everywhere.' Barbie's new look is also getting a celebrity boost. Model Lila Moss and fitness trainer Robin Arzon, both living with Type 1 diabetes, have been named as ambassadors for the doll, showing that T1D is no barrier to living Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, summed up the mission: '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.'Mattel's Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, summed up the mission: '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 new Barbie is available for $10.99 and is already inspiring kids (and adults) to embrace their differences—one insulin pump at a in Barbie's world, representation isn't just fashionable—it's essential.
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Kate Moss's daughter Lila launches first Barbie doll with type one diabetes
The 22-year-old, who is also a model and has diabetes, was also presented with a one-off Barbie doll of herself during the launch, which comes after the release of deaf, blind and Down's Syndrome versions of the toy. Moss, whose father is British publisher Jefferson Hack, said: 'I think to have a Barbie doll that looks like me with type one diabetes is completely surreal, and it makes me very proud to be able to represent this community. 'I get so many messages every day about how I've helped someone be less insecure or helped them be more proud of their diabetes patches, and so to be able to represent the community in this way is very exciting and special. 'The accessories the Barbie has is a blood glucose monitor and an insulin pump, and they're very important because they keep me alive, and they make living life with type one diabetes much smoother and more practical. 'They are less hidden, so it makes people feel a bit more insecure, but I think it's really important to embrace this technology, especially because it makes living with diabetes so much easier and more practical. 'I think it's so important to embrace these patches and having them, and not hiding them or being insecure about them – I think it's really cool to have them. 'I think my younger self would be really excited about how cool my Barbie's outfit is, how nice her dress is, and she's got a little gold bangle on and she's really chic, but also just proud to represent a really important cause and something so special and close to my heart.' The diabetes doll, which is released on Wednesday and priced at £13.99, wears a blue polka dot top and matching skirt, as the colour is used for global symbols that represent diabetes awareness. Barbie partnered with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a type one diabetes research and advocacy organisation, for the doll, with Mattel UK donating £20,000 to the charity on behalf of Moss. Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said: 'Introducing a Barbie doll with type one 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 type one diabetes, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.' The NHS says the condition stops the body from making a hormone called insulin, causing the level of glucose in blood to get too high. It says symptoms include feeling tired, thirsty, going to the toilet more regularly, and fast weight loss. In May, former Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa saw a Barbie doll made in the likeness of his character from the BBC science fiction series.
