In 2019, Mattel released a Barbie in a wheelchair and a Barbie with a prosthetic limb. Other dolls in the Fashionistas line include a Barbie with Down syndrome, a Barbie with hearing aids, a bald Barbie, a Barbie with a skin condition and Barbies with different hair types and body shapes.

This new Barbie has a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, held in place with heart-shaped pink tape. A small insulin pump sits at her waist and her phone shows her blood sugar levels on an app. The blue polka-dot dress is a nod to diabetes awareness, and her matching purse holds snacks and supplies, CNN reported.

Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, emphasised the doll’s potential impact. "Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world," Berger said. "By including a doll with type 1 diabetes, we’re ensuring that more children see themselves represented in the toys they play with."