New diabetic Barbie doll sparks fierce debate

In an odd attempt at inclusivity, Mattel Inc. introduced a new Barbie doll living with Type 1 diabetes.

Mattel Inc. hopes to facilitate “doll play that extends beyond a child’s own lived experience.”

The new doll is decked out with a glucose monitor and an insulin pump that’s attached to her waist. In pink, of course.

Mattel releases new Barbie with diabetes.

The Barbie doll, with type 1 diabetes, comes with an insulin pump, a glucose monitor on her arm and a cell phone with an app showing the dolls glucose readings. pic.twitter.com/urdIyJULop

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) July 9, 2025

“Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation,” Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said in a press release.

“Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”

More than 38 million Americans of all ages have diabetes, with the cases rising in young people, Fox Business reported.

The curious new creation sparked plenty of debate on X:

Too much inclusivity no thanks. i got a barbie because its rare not because its a fatty with diabetes

— Rogersza (@RogerNika) July 9, 2025

Imagine you have a young child who has just learned they have Type 1 diabetes. Maybe they are scared. Having something that they love have the same thing may help them cope. Stop trying to impose how you were raised as a child on this younger generation they are different.

— First Person Sax (@FirstPersonSax) July 9, 2025

Insulin sold separately

— Alpha Freyr (@AlphaFreyr) July 9, 2025

That’s actually kinda sweet. I knew a little girl at the school I worked at who had to wear a monitor on her arm and really needed to watch what she ate each day. It’s nice that she could have a doll that looked like her too.

— Chaaluna (@TheOneChaaluna) July 9, 2025

Barbies are supposed to be hot not dying of random diseases

— Joey ️ ¹⁴³ ⸆⸉ (@perrrysrep) July 9, 2025

Girls live out their hopes & dreams through their Barbies. No one wants this

— GenXmother (@SheriIsSuperRad) July 9, 2025

Not necessarily so…

As a type 1 diabetic that collects dolls…yes I will be buying https://t.co/h36WgwhXdv pic.twitter.com/CwsboASSZU

— lyndsey (@lyndvey) July 9, 2025

Latest posts by Nicole Haas (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.