Barbie with diabetes gets praise from White Plains pediatrician
Mattel released the doll to help raise awareness about kids with medical conditions and disabilities.
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A new Barbie doll wearing a blue polka dot dress and a glucose monitor is now available, designed to represent children with Type 1 diabetes.
Mattel released the doll to help raise awareness about kids with medical conditions and disabilities.
Dr. Debra Etelson of White Plains Hospital said the doll helps children with diabetes feel seen and understood while playing with others.
"This is something the child with diabetes can play with friends or family and feel comfortable and realistic," Etelson said. "This is my insulin pump, this my blood sugar, looks like I need to go to the nurse."
Etelson also urged parents to learn whether their child has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and to watch for symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, hunger or stomach pain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 300,000 children and young adults in the U.S. have Type 1 diabetes.
