Mattel launches Barbie with type 1 diabetes and detail draws attention; See photos

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Mattel launched the first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetesin an attempt to promote inclusion, the company announced. Nova Barbie was designed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, an NGO that works in research and advances in disease treatments. The release took place on Tuesday (8). “Presenting a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes is an important step in our commitment to inclusion and representativeness,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie brand and global doll director.

A Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune and chronic diseasein which the pancreas is attacked by the immune system and thus produces little or no insulin. Often diagnosed in childhood, patients should control their glucose levels and administer insulin daily.

In it, the immune system erroneously attacks and destroys the insulin -producing pancreas cells, a vital hormone to regulate blood sugar. Without the hormone produced in the pancreas, sugar continues in the blood and the cells starve. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 requires constant monitoring of glucose and daily insulin applications, significantly impacting quality of life.

The new doll uses a CGM, a sensor to measure the blood sugar in real time, as well as a medical tape on the pink -heart -shaped arm. It also has a small phone to monitor insulin levels. Mattel also launched a doll representing Lila Moss, daughter of Kate Moss Supermodel, diagnosed with type diabetes 1 and which advocates awareness of the disease.

In recent years, the company has diversified its models, in particular the Barbie doll, which for decades was exclusively a white, blonde, young and high -heeled woman.

According to the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that 25.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants occur each year in Brazil, considered a high incidence. Barbie also honored two global models and type 1 diabetes advocates – Peloton instructor Robin Arzón, and model Lila Moss in the United Kingdom – with her own dolls.

In addition to the doll in question, Mattel has already launched a blind barbie, a barbie doll with Down syndrome and a barbie doll with hearing aids, among others. In Brazil, the brand honored two Brazilian PCDs with a Barbie, including a survivor of the tragic Kiss nightclub in 2013.

The Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes is now available at Mattel Shop and retailers in the United States. A date of sale has not yet been released in Brazil.