Blue Polka-Dot Outfit, a Symbol of Diabetes Awareness
American toy manufacturer Mattel has introduced a Barbie doll representing a person with Type 1 diabetes.
According to the Associated Press on July 8 (local time), Mattel created the Barbie doll in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
The newly unveiled Barbie doll is equipped with a continuous glucose monitor on her arm. She also carries a smartphone with an application that can track blood sugar levels throughout the day. Attached to her waist is a small, wearable medical device known as an insulin pump, which can automatically administer insulin when needed. She also holds a sky-blue handbag for storing essential emergency supplies or snacks.
The blue polka-dot top and skirt set worn by the Barbie doll symbolizes diabetes awareness. The design features a blue circle, which was officially adopted in 2006 by a United Nations resolution as the global symbol for diabetes awareness. The circle represents life, health, positivity, and unity, while the color blue signifies the sky, hope, and solidarity among nations. Emily Mazurek, the marketing and communications director who participated in the Barbie doll's design, is known to have Type 1 diabetes herself. She stated, "Visibility is important for everyone living with Type 1 diabetes," and added, "It is very moving that Barbie is helping to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes and those who live with it." The blood sugar level of 130 mg/dL shown in the smartphone app held by Barbie reflects Mazurek's own blood sugar measurement during the design process.
Mattel emphasized, "Through this Barbie doll, many children from diverse backgrounds and experiences will be able to see themselves." This doll is part of the "Fashionista" line, which includes dolls with various skin tones, hair colors and textures, body types, and disabilities. Previously, Barbie dolls with prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, and Down syndrome have also been released.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2021, approximately 38.4 million people in the United States?about 11.6% of the population?have diabetes. Of these, around 2 million are estimated to have Type 1 diabetes. Approximately 304,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 are included in this figure. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. It most often develops in childhood or adolescence, but can also appear in adults. Patients must monitor their blood sugar levels daily and administer insulin as needed.
This Barbie doll made its debut at the "Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children's Congress" held in Washington, D.C. The event advocates for securing federal funding to support diabetes research. This year, the main focus is on urging the extension of the "Special Diabetes Program," which is set to expire in September.
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