This Latina Was Honored with Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes

Latina Head Peloton instructor Robin Arzón has been honored with a Barbie in her likeness as the company introduces a doll with type 1 diabetes.

July is Disability Pride Month and Barbie is using the opportunity to introduce the first ever dolls with type 1 diabetes. Part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, they worked with Breakthrough T1D to accurately portray the medical equipment a person with type 1 diabetes may use.

The doll comes with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) that continuously measures a person’s blood-sugar levels and an insulin pump. The doll also wears a blue polka dot outfit that is a nod to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness.

Barbie also made a doll in the image of Arzón, who is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent, and model Lila Moss. Both women are also type 1 diabetes advocates and the dolls include similar glucose monitors. Arzón’ monitor is in the shape of a crown.

“After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a decade ago, I’ve found a lot of purpose in advocating for people with the condition and educating others about it because knowledge is power, especially for young minds,” Arzón shared in a statement. “It’s an absolute honor to receive a Barbie doll as a part of the brand’s efforts to grow awareness and representation surrounding type 1 diabetes, so that we can help show kids that all types of challenges give us all the more reason to push forward and achieve our dreams.”

“I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal – it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families,” Aaron J. Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D, added. “It’s an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.”