Barbie Gets Real: Celebrating the New Diabetes Barbie and What It Means for Our Community
Barbie just made history by introducing the first-ever doll with Type 1 diabetes — complete with a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump, and all the essentials for managing her condition in style. This thoughtful addition to the Barbie lineup is more than just a toy; it’s a powerful message of inclusion and empowerment for children and families affected by diabetes.
At Endocrine Advantage, we’re thrilled to see this kind of representation in everyday life. We know how important it is for people — especially kids — to feel seen and understood as they navigate their health journey. Just like Barbie shows that managing diabetes is nothing to hide, we work every day to equip our patients with the tools, education, and confidence to thrive.
Barbie collaborated closely with Breakthrough T1D and members of the type 1 diabetes community to ensure her look and medical accessories accurately represent the tools many people with T1D use every day — even down to the thoughtful details of her outfit:
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): On her arm, Barbie wears a CGM — a small, wearable device that continuously tracks blood sugar levels. It’s secured with heart-shaped, Barbie-pink medical tape, and she carries a phone displaying a CGM app to help monitor her levels throughout the day.
Insulin Pump: Clipped at her waist, Barbie’s insulin pump provides automated, on-the-go insulin dosing when she needs it.
Blue Polka Dot Outfit: Barbie’s chic ruffled skirt and matching polka-dot top aren’t just stylish — the blue color and circle pattern are symbols of global diabetes awareness.
Pastel Purse: Her soft blue purse is just the right size for carrying diabetes essentials or a snack when she’s out and about.
If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, our team is here to support you with personalized care and the latest advancements in endocrine health. Together, we can help you take charge of your health — and feel proud doing it.
Learn more about this Barbie collaboration by clicking the link below.