Teaching T1D with Barbie
Mattel has released its first Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes.
The doll was developed in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D to reflect real-life diabetes management tools and to provide representation for millions of kids living with Type 1 diabetes. For families and caregivers, this doll can be a meaningful tool to spark conversations, reinforce normalcy around diabetes care, and help children feel seen.
What’s Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition where the body can’t make insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels). Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is primarily caused by insulin resistance, Type 1 is caused by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. There’s no cure, but the disease is manageable with the right care.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
Treatment
- Daily insulin in the form of injections or pump.
- Blood sugar monitoring using finger sticks or a glucose monitor.
- Healthy diet and regular activity.
- Counting carbs to match insulin to meals.
People with Type 1 diabetes live full and active lives. The risk of complications can be reduced with routine support from a doctor, loved ones, and the Type 1 diabetes community.