Mattel announces diabetic Barbie doll

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 08. 11:31

This year, a special Barbie is expanding Mattel’s diversity-focused toy line: the world’s first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes is being introduced in Hungary. The new doll serves two purposes: firstly, to allow children with diabetes to meet a figure symbolizing their own daily lives with diabetes during play, and secondly, it helps non-affected children understand and accept their diabetic peers. The introduction of the diabetic Barbie in Hungary is taking place in cooperation with the One Drop of Attention Foundation.

There are approximately 5,000 children with diabetes in Hungary, and 200–300 new cases are diagnosed each year. The number of children with type 1 diabetes has tripled in the past twenty years, and the trend continues to rise. Type 1 diabetes, which mostly affects children, is autoimmune in origin, and the exact causes of its development are unknown. After the diagnosis, integrating into school and kindergarten, establishing a daily routine, and organizing community programs (such as class trips or camps) can be a serious challenge for families and institutions.

As Mattel’s domestic partner, the One Drop of Attention Foundation is collaborating with the Hungarian launch of Barbie with Diabetes, which will not only provide a new gaming experience, but will also serve educational and attitude-shaping purposes. The long-standing organization will also incorporate the doll into its own awareness-raising programs for children. Barbie will also be featured in the foundation’s professional programs – including the stations of the One Live Once Tour and the foundation’s family health day, One Drop of World Day – and will thus create a new opportunity for conversations about diabetes and the dissemination of knowledge. In addition, for all those looking for a means to raise awareness of the topic, Barbie offers a playful connection point to the world of children with diabetes.

“With the diabetic Barbie doll, children can playfully get to know the everyday life of their diabetic friend. The joint, joyful activity not only helps children with diabetes to experience their own experiences, but also makes it easier for the children’s community to understand and accept everything that comes with diabetes,” said Antónia Erős, the head and founder of the One Drop of Attention Foundation, who has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1995.