Barbie Is Now Repping Type 1 - Let's Talk About Real Life With Diabetes

When you think of Barbie, you probably picture her lounging in her dreamhouse or heading to brunch in Malibu - not doing blood sugar checks or adjusting an insulin pump. But Barbie’s gone real-world on us, and it’s a huge win for kids and parents dealing with diabetes.

Launched on Tuesday (8 July 2025) and part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, this new Barbie slays in a chic blue polka-dot top, but it’s her accessories that really matter:

• an insulin pump
• a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
• a phone displaying her blood sugar levels
• snacks and supplies in a matching light-blue purse

The look is cute, but also seriously empowering.

IMAGE: MATTEL AND WONDERWALL.SG

On Barbie's arm: a glucose monitor; around her waist: an insulin pump. | IMAGE: MATTEL

Mattel worked closely with US-based Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to create the doll, launched at the Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress in Washington, US.

While this Barbie is not available in Singapore yet (and unfortunately, no, there's no Ken doll version), the message tied to it hits just as hard in the Lion City, where diabetes is a growing and complex national concern.

Diabetes in Singapore: The bigger picture

In Singapore, diabetes has long been recognised as a national health crisis. As of 2023, about 8.5% of adults in Singapore are living with diabetes. And projections show that by 2050, that number could balloon to over 1 million people if we don’t act fast.

But here’s where it gets personal: While Type 2 diabetes usually gets the spotlight (because it's more common in adults and linked to lifestyle), Type 1 diabetes is a daily challenge for kids and teens. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It can strike at any age, even in toddlers.

That’s what makes this Barbie such a powerful tool. She doesn’t just normalise insulin pumps and blood glucose monitors. She says, “Hey, it’s okay. You’re not alone.”

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

A Singapore mother’s perspective: “Imagine if our kids had these Barbies then”

We speak to Angie G, a working mum whose daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was aged 11.

1. As a mother of a diabetic child, what do you think of Barbie's first doll with type 1 diabetes?

My daughter was 11 when she was diagnosed with diabetes. That was 14 years ago. KK Hospital did a brilliant job of inviting parents and their diabetic children to a stay in camp to help socialise our children (and us parents) to insulin injecting and regularly monitoring blood sugar count.

It was a great help, seeing parents and very young children get on board and just do it! But imagine if our kids had these Barbies then. It would have made it much easier to normalise the process for them.

2. In what other ways would a Barbie doll like this have helped you and your child if it had been launched when you were a new mother?

It would also have helped remove some of the stigma our children face, fearing they would be seen as “different” or “less” because they had to inject themselves at meals, in school or in public. My daughter would always look for a private place to do so, because she was self-conscious.

3. How do you think this would be helpful to mothers and their diabetic children today?

⁠I’m mindful that we shouldn’t be sending a message that diabetes is okay or in any way cool, or anything like that. It is not. It is a disease. But having a Barbie with diabetes helps on so many levels – it raises diabetes awareness, it says diabetes is manageable, it removes stigma by normalising the use of insulin pumps and monitors among children, and, most importantly, it helps children understand that the management of their diabetes is in their hands.

Tackling diabetes myths, stigmas and everyday realities

Check out these stories right here on Wonderwall.sg:

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

👉 7 Lifestyle Tips For Parents Whose Children Have Diabetes

Getting the news that your child has diabetes can feel like the end of the world. Here are some helpful tips for parents caring for a child with diabetes.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

👉 How To Support A Loved One Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Living with diabetes is tough - but being a loved one who wants to help and not hover? This heartfelt piece shares one writer’s personal experience supporting her mum, and the small ways you can show up for someone with Type 2.

IMAGE: HO LER LIM

👉 5 Things You Might Not Know About Diabetes

Think you know diabetes? Think again. From the sneaky symptoms to the different types, this quick read breaks down what you really need to know about one of Singapore’s most common chronic conditions.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

👉 Craft A Diabetes-Resistant Diet By Making 5 Simple Alterations

Cutting diabetes risk doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you love. This guide dishes out five easy (and realistic!) ways to tweak your diet and keep your blood sugar in check.

IMAGE: 123RF

👉 5 Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Developing Diabetes

Diabetes doesn’t discriminate – it affects all of us. This article breaks down simple ways to lower your risk before diabetes becomes part of your story.

For the latest updates on Wonderwall.sg, be sure to follow us on TikTok, Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook. If you have a story idea for us, email us at [email protected].