The American company Mattel, which manufactures Barbie dolls, has created a doll with type 1 diabetes.
The new Barbie was developed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, a global non-profit organization dedicated to research and advocacy for type 1 diabetes.
The doll wears a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device on her arm, which she secures with a heart-shaped medical patch.
Barbie has a mobile phone with a CGM app that helps her track her blood sugar levels throughout the day, and an insulin pump that automatically delivers insulin as needed.
Additionally, the toy comes with a large bag for all the necessary items, including snacks that may be needed during walks.
The company explained that the new Barbie was designed “to allow more children to see themselves reflected and encourage doll play that goes beyond a child’s life experience.”