Latest news with #LilaMoss
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
New Barbie with type 1 diabetes could help kids with the condition feel seen – and help others learn
Barbie has done many things since she first appeared in 1959. She's been an astronaut, a doctor, a president and even a palaeontologist. Now, in 2025, Barbie is something else: a woman with type 1 diabetes. Mattel's latest Barbie was recently launched by Lila Moss, a British model who lives with type 1 diabetes. The doll comes with a visible insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, devices many people with diabetes rely on. To some people, this might seem like just another version of the doll. But to kids living with type 1 diabetes – especially young girls – it's a big deal. This new Barbie is not just a toy. It's about being seen. What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body stops making insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. It's not caused by lifestyle or diet. It's an autoimmune condition (a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells) and often starts in childhood. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day, often through multiple injections or an insulin pump. They also need to check their blood sugar regularly, using finger pricks or a continuous glucose monitor worn on the skin (usually the upper arm). Although type 1 diabetes can be effectively managed, there is no cure. Millions of people across the world live with this condition, and numbers are on the rise. In Australia, type 1 diabetes affects more than 13,000 children and teens, while in New Zealand, around 2,500 children under 18 have type 1 diabetes. Globally, 1.8 million young people are affected. Managing type 1 diabetes isn't easy for children Young people with type 1 diabetes must think about their condition every day – at school, during sports, at sleepovers and even while playing. They may have to stop what they're doing and check their blood sugar levels. It can feel isolating and frustrating. Stigma is a big issue for children and young people with type 1 diabetes. Some young people feel embarrassed using their insulin pumps or checking their blood sugar in public. One study found pre-teens with diabetes sometimes felt they received unwanted attention when using devices such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Stigma can make young people less likely to take care of their diabetes, which can create problems for their health. Seeing a Barbie with an insulin pump and glucose monitor could make a significant difference. Children form their sense of identity early, and toys play a surprisingly powerful role in that process. While children with type 1 diabetes can often feel different from their peers, toys can help normalise their experience and reduce the sense of isolation that can come with managing a chronic condition. Research shows toys and media such as books and TV shows reflecting children's experiences can boost self-esteem, reduce stigma and improve emotional wellbeing. For girls especially, Barbie is more than a doll. She represents what is often perceived to be admired or desirable and this can influence how girls perceive their own bodies. A Barbie with a glucose monitor and insulin pump sends a clear message: this is part of real life. You're not alone. That kind of visibility is empowering. It tells children their condition doesn't define them or limit their potential. It also helps challenge outdated stereotypes about illness and disability. Some may worry a doll with a medical condition might make playtime too serious or scary. But in reality, play is how kids learn about the world. Toys that reflect real life – including health issues – can help children process emotions, ask questions, reduce fear and feel more in control. A broader shift towards inclusivity and representation Mattel's new Barbie shows diabetes and the devices needed to manage the condition in a positive, everyday way, and that matters. It can start conversations and help kids without diabetes learn what those devices are and why someone wears them. It builds understanding early. Mattel has added to its range of Barbies in recent years to showcase the beauty that everyone has. There are now Barbies with a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, body types and disabilities – including dolls with hearing aids, vitiligo (loss of skin pigmentation) and wheelchairs. The diabetes Barbie is part of this broader shift toward inclusivity and should be applauded. Every child should be able to find toys that reflect who they are, and the people they love. This Barbie won't make diabetes go away. But she might help a child feel more seen, more confident, more like their peers. She might help a classmate understand that a glucose monitor isn't scary – it's just something some people need. She might make a school nurse's job easier when explaining to teachers or students how to support a student with diabetes. Living with type 1 diabetes as a child is tough. Anything that helps kids feel a little more included, and a little less different, is worth celebrating. A doll might seem small. But to the right child, at the right moment, it could mean everything.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Barbie gets real: New doll features insulin pump and glucose monitor
LOS ANGELES, July 18 — Barbie has done many things since she first appeared in 1959. She's been an astronaut, a doctor, a president and even a palaeontologist. Now, in 2025, Barbie is something else: a woman with type 1 diabetes. Mattel's latest Barbie was recently launched by Lila Moss, a British model who lives with type 1 diabetes. The doll comes with a visible insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, devices many people with diabetes rely on. To some people, this might seem like just another version of the doll. But to kids living with type 1 diabetes — especially young girls — it's a big deal. This new Barbie is not just a toy. It's about being seen. What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body stops making insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. It's not caused by lifestyle or diet. It's an autoimmune condition (a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells) and often starts in childhood. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day, often through multiple injections or an insulin pump. They also need to check their blood sugar regularly, using finger pricks or a continuous glucose monitor worn on the skin (usually the upper arm). Although type 1 diabetes can be effectively managed, there is no cure. Millions of people across the world live with this condition, and numbers are on the rise. In Australia, type 1 diabetes affects more than 13,000 children and teens, while in New Zealand, around 2,500 children under 18 have type 1 diabetes. Globally, 1.8 million young people are affected. Managing type 1 diabetes isn't easy for children Young people with type 1 diabetes must think about their condition every day — at school, during sports, at sleepovers and even while playing. They may have to stop what they're doing and check their blood sugar levels. It can feel isolating and frustrating. Stigma is a big issue for children and young people with type 1 diabetes. Some young people feel embarrassed using their insulin pumps or checking their blood sugar in public. One study found pre-teens with diabetes sometimes felt they received unwanted attention when using devices such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Stigma can make young people less likely to take care of their diabetes, which can create problems for their health. Seeing a Barbie with an insulin pump and glucose monitor could make a significant difference. Children form their sense of identity early, and toys play a surprisingly powerful role in that process. While children with type 1 diabetes can often feel different from their peers, toys can help normalise their experience and reduce the sense of isolation that can come with managing a chronic condition. Research shows toys and media such as books and TV shows reflecting children's experiences can boost self-esteem, reduce stigma and improve emotional wellbeing. For girls especially, Barbie is more than a doll. She represents what is often perceived to be admired or desirable and this can influence how girls perceive their own bodies. A Barbie with a glucose monitor and insulin pump sends a clear message: this is part of real life. You're not alone. That kind of visibility is empowering. It tells children their condition doesn't define them or limit their potential. It also helps challenge outdated stereotypes about illness and disability. Some may worry a doll with a medical condition might make playtime too serious or scary. But in reality, play is how kids learn about the world. Toys that reflect real life — including health issues — can help children process emotions, ask questions, reduce fear and feel more in control. A broader shift towards inclusivity and representation Mattel's new Barbie shows diabetes and the devices needed to manage the condition in a positive, everyday way, and that matters. It can start conversations and help kids without diabetes learn what those devices are and why someone wears them. It builds understanding early. Mattel has added to its range of Barbies in recent years to showcase the beauty that everyone has. There are now Barbies with a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, body types and disabilities — including dolls with hearing aids, vitiligo (loss of skin pigmentation) and wheelchairs. The diabetes Barbie is part of this broader shift toward inclusivity and should be applauded. Every child should be able to find toys that reflect who they are, and the people they love. This Barbie won't make diabetes go away. But she might help a child feel more seen, more confident, more like their peers. She might help a classmate understand that a glucose monitor isn't scary — it's just something some people need. She might make a school nurse's job easier when explaining to teachers or students how to support a student with diabetes. Living with type 1 diabetes as a child is tough. Anything that helps kids feel a little more included, and a little less different, is worth celebrating. A doll might seem small. But to the right child, at the right moment, it could mean everything. — Reuters
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
New Barbie with type 1 diabetes could help kids with the condition feel seen - and help others learn
By Lynne Chepulis and Anna Serlachius of Mattel's first Barbie with type 1 diabetes. Photo: Mattel Barbie has done many things since she first appeared in 1959 . She's been an astronaut, a doctor, a president and even a palaeontologist. Now, in 2025, Barbie is something else: a woman with type 1 diabetes . Mattel's latest Barbie was recently launched by Lila Moss , a British model who lives with type 1 diabetes. The doll comes with a visible insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, devices many people with diabetes rely on. To some people, this might seem like just another version of the doll. But to kids living with type 1 diabetes - especially young girls - it's a big deal. This new Barbie is not just a toy. It's about being seen. Mattel has introduced its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes, as part of wider efforts from the toy maker to increase inclusivity among its dolls. Mattel says it partnered with Type 1 diabetes advocates to ensure that the design of the doll 'truly captures the community.' Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body stops making insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. It's not caused by lifestyle or diet. It's an autoimmune condition (a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells) and often starts in childhood. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day, often through multiple injections or an insulin pump. They also need to check their blood sugar regularly, using finger pricks or a continuous glucose monitor worn on the skin (usually the upper arm). Although type 1 diabetes can be effectively managed, there is no cure. Millions of people across the world live with this condition, and numbers are on the rise. In Australia, type 1 diabetes affects more than 13,000 children and teens , while in New Zealand, around 2500 children under 18 have type 1 diabetes . Globally, 1.8 million young people are affected. Children with type 1 diabetes may wear a continuous glucose monitor. Photo: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels Young people with type 1 diabetes must think about their condition every day - at school, during sports, at sleepovers and even while playing. They may have to stop what they're doing and check their blood sugar levels. It can feel isolating and frustrating. Stigma is a big issue for children and young people with type 1 diabetes . Some young people feel embarrassed using their insulin pumps or checking their blood sugar in public. One study found pre-teens with diabetes sometimes felt they received unwanted attention when using devices such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Stigma can make young people less likely to take care of their diabetes , which can create problems for their health. Seeing a Barbie with an insulin pump and glucose monitor could make a significant difference. Children form their sense of identity early, and toys play a surprisingly powerful role in that process. While children with type 1 diabetes can often feel different from their peers, toys can help normalise their experience and reduce the sense of isolation that can come with managing a chronic condition. Research shows toys and media such as books and TV shows reflecting children's experiences can boost self-esteem, reduce stigma and improve emotional wellbeing . For girls especially, Barbie is more than a doll. She represents what is often perceived to be admired or desirable and this can influence how girls perceive their own bodies. A Barbie with a glucose monitor and insulin pump sends a clear message: this is part of real life. You're not alone. That kind of visibility is empowering. It tells children their condition doesn't define them or limit their potential. It also helps challenge outdated stereotypes about illness and disability. Some may worry a doll with a medical condition might make playtime too serious or scary. But in reality, play is how kids learn about the world. Toys that reflect real life - including health issues - can help children process emotions, ask questions, reduce fear and feel more in control. Mattel's new Barbie shows diabetes and the devices needed to manage the condition in a positive, everyday way, and that matters. It can start conversations and help kids without diabetes learn what those devices are and why someone wears them. It builds understanding early. Mattel has added to its range of Barbies in recent years to showcase the beauty that everyone has. There are now Barbies with a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, body types and disabilities - including dolls with hearing aids , vitiligo (loss of skin pigmentation) and wheelchairs. The diabetes Barbie is part of this broader shift toward inclusivity and should be applauded. Every child should be able to find toys that reflect who they are, and the people they love. This Barbie won't make diabetes go away. But she might help a child feel more seen, more confident, more like their peers. She might help a classmate understand that a glucose monitor isn't scary - it's just something some people need. She might make a school nurse's job easier when explaining to teachers or students how to support a student with diabetes. Living with type 1 diabetes as a child is tough . Anything that helps kids feel a little more included, and a little less different, is worth celebrating. A doll might seem small. But to the right child, at the right moment, it could mean everything. * Lynne Chepulis, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, University of Waikato; Anna Serlachius, Associate Professor, Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau - This story originally appeared on The Conversation.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Barbie with type 1 diabetes will 'break down stigma'
The mother of a teenager with type 1 diabetes says the latest addition to the Barbie range of dolls will help children understand more about the new doll was launched last week by Lila Moss, a 22-year-old model who has diabetes, as part of a drive to increase representation by toy manufacturer features a glucose monitor and insulin pump, along with a blue polka-dot top and skirt. The colour blue and circle print are used around the world to represent diabetes from Cleethorpes, whose 14-year-old son Will lives with the condition, said it was "breaking down the stigma" around diabetes. "Will for a long time didn't want a pod or a sensor because it was a visible thing that everybody would instantly know," Holly the latest addition to the Barbie range was a positive step, in a similar way to Barbie dolls that use wheelchairs, she added."It's inclusive and I think it's a good thing." Will said he was now quite used to managing his diabetes and having to "work out my carbs before I have stuff".Talking about the doll, he said it was "nice to be included", though when asked if he would play with one, he replied: "I don't think so."Will's younger sister, Alice, 8, said children who played with the doll "could pretend and maybe understand it and discover more about diabetes"."It's really important," she US toy giant had previously faced criticism that the traditional Barbie was not representative of most recent years, the firm has created dolls with a hearing aid, a prosthetic limb and a latest addition has also been welcomed by support groups and health Curtis, from the Hull and District Diabetes Support Group, who has lived with the condition himself for more than 30 years, said: "I think the idea of this doll is absolutely brilliant for Curtis said support and education were "essential", adding: "I think this is a great leap forward." Debbie Hicks, who developed the diabetes specialist nursing service in Hull, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1973, aged about its impact, she said: "Never knowing anybody with diabetes it was a complete shock for all of the family."It wasn't something we had ever come across – it was a total new way of life that both myself and my family had to adopt."You wouldn't believe that, at 12, I was using a glass syringe and needle that had to be sharpened once a week."Commenting on the doll, she said that although technology for managing the condition had greatly improved over the years, anything that helped to further raise awareness was very welcome. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lila Moss cuts a sophisticated figure in a chic navy dress as she arrives at Wimbledon for the men's singles final after enjoying Ibiza trip with mum Kate
Lila Moss cut a sophisticated figure in a navy dress as she arrived at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday for day 14 of Wimbledon. The model, 22, looked incredible in the sleeveless number as she prepared to watch the hotly-anticipated men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Lila made sure all eyes were on her in the long striking dress which showed off her amazing figure and featured a plunging lace up neckline. The daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, who recently returned from a fun girls' trip to Ibiza with her mum, elevated her frame in a pair of white towering heels and toted her belongings in a coordinated handbag. Styling her blonde tresses in a neat up do, she accessorised her outfit with a pair of gold hoop earrings and opted for a pair of sunglasses for the hot weather. Lila flashed her gorgeous smile as she arrived at SW19 along with a number of Hollywood stars ahead of the men's singles final. Defending champion Alcaraz is hoping to continue his winning streak against world No 1 Sinner, who is looking to avenge his French Open defeat. While Alcaraz is battling to join an elite club of men who have won the title three years in succession, which at present includes only Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Even Alcaraz's hero Nadal's only won two Wimbledon crowns. Between 2003 to 2023, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic accumulated 66 Grand Slam titles between them. However, Djokovic's semi-final defeat is just the latest evidence that a changing of the guard has taken place, with Sinner and Alcaraz perhaps the next big rivalry to dominate the sport. Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner have shared the last six Grand Slam titles and their mesmeric clash last month in the longest-ever French Open final is being touted as one of the greatest of all time. Lila's arrival at the championship came after her mum K ate was spotted puffing on a vape and sipping a beer as she enjoyed a day out at BST Hyde Park where Neil Young was headlining. The image of Kate with a beer and vape in hand is in stark contrast to the clean-living persona she's had in recent years following her heyday in which she was nicknamed 'The Tank' by friends for her love of substances. She recently sparked concern among her fanbase after being filmed looking 'fraught' and 'on edge' as she sat front row at Paris Fashion Week. The daughter of supermodel Kate Moss elevated her frame in a pair of white towering heels and toted her belongings in a coordinated handbag Kate was thought to have given up alcohol back in 2017 in favour of juice fasts and reformer Pilates, even selling her own range of teas and skincare products through her beauty and wellness brand, Cosmoss. And while she has long struggled to give up her nicotine habit, just two years ago Kate - once hailed the 'greatest smoker of all time' - was seen puffing away on a vape in an attempt to give up the cigarettes. Kate and Lila have spoken candidly in the past about their unconventional relationship, with Kate telling Vogue in 2023: 'There were still rules in our house – always say please and thank you; never go out with wet hair or you'll catch a cold – even if I wasn't that strict. Now that she's 21, Lila's the one setting rules for me. 'Wear SPF50; quit smoking… Although she did give me this cigarette case as a gift recently that I just love... She's flown the nest now, and got her own place in downtown New York, but she's still so young in my mind... 'I feel like I'd already lived quite a few lives by Lila's age. I'd gone abroad. I'd had one serious boyfriend – and moved on to the next. In a lot of ways, though, Lila is so much more grown-up than I was in my 20s... 'Watching her establishing her career as a model takes me right back to the '90s when I was just starting out, but I know that things will be different for her.' 'She understands she can say no, for one thing, which I never did, and she has the right people around her – I've made sure of that. And let's face it, she's a lot more sensible than I was back then. I mean… thank God. Ha!'
