A new Barbie has appeared — a doll with type 1 diabetes

Revolution in the toy world: Mattel has released the first-ever Barbie with type 1 diabetes. The legendary toy manufacturer stated the important mission of this new product — to develop empathy and inclusivity in children, as well as to help young patients with diabetes feel more confident.

The innovative doll wasn't created alone — Mattel's developers joined forces with experts from the international non-profit organization Breakthrough T1D, which specializes in supporting people with type 1 diabetes.

"The introduction of Barbie with type 1 diabetes is an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation," emphasized Krista Berger, Senior Vice President and Global Head of the Barbie brand.

"Barbie helps shape children's early perception of the world. By showcasing conditions like type 1 diabetes, we allow more children to see themselves in the stories and dolls they love," she added.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. This condition is often diagnosed in childhood, and patients need to monitor their blood sugar levels daily and regularly administer insulin.