Supermodel Kate Moss's daughter Lila has launched the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes in a bid to raise awareness, boost representation and inspire children.

Moss, 22, a global role model for type 1 diabetes, has also been honoured with her own-one-of-kind doll.

Behind the new Barbie lies not only the Mattel brand's sensitivity to the needs of little ones, but also specific knowledge and collaboration with the medical community.

The project was developed with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), an organisation which for years has been conducting research and activities to support people living with type 1 diabetes.

The new Barbie not only wears a stylish polka dot outfit (both the colour blue and circle print are nods to global symbols of diabetes awareness), but also realistically replicates the everyday elements of treatment: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin pump and accessories that children with T1D know from their own lives.

Type 1 diabetes: life under constant control

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body stops producing insulin - a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

The disease requires daily monitoring and treatment with insulin and can lead to serious complications.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not the result of poor diet or lifestyle, and its causes are still not fully understood.

It is also increasingly being diagnosed in adults; up to half of new cases are estimated to be in people over the age of 18.

Representation that matters

The new doll has been enthusiastically received by the T1D community. Mattel also honoured fitness instructor Robin Arzón for her advocacy on diabetes.

Both Arzón and Moss received their own one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls - created in their likeness, with medical details included.

Lila Moss has been open about her illness for years and does not hide her sugar monitoring devices even on the red carpet.

In a statement, Lila Moss said: “I am proud to use my platform to educate around type 1 diabetes and show that being different is cool. Receiving messages from people who see my patches and feel represented means everything to me. To be able to now see Barbie dolls with T1D, and to receive a Barbie doll that visibly looks like me even wearing her patches, is both surreal and special.”

A Barbie that reflects reality

Barbie from T1D is the brand's next step towards real representation. For years, the Fashionistas line has been expanding with dolls of different skin colours, silhouettes, disabilities and stories.

The collection already includes dolls with blindness, Down syndrome, hearing aids or prosthetics, among others.