Let’s be honest: for most of my life with type 1 diabetes—diagnosed at age 7—it was invisible in toys, games, and pop culture. Now, as a dad to a 10-year-old son who also has T1D, I see how much that kind of representation matters.
Unless you count Wilford Brimley’s infamous “diabeetus” commercials—yeah, I still have nightmares.
Superheroes, Dolls, and the Power of Collaboration
But times are changing. You might now spot someone managing their blood sugar between battling villains or attending a Malibu pool party—and it’s a big deal.
First came Dyasonic (real name: Omnya). She’s a teen superhero created through a Marvel–Insulet collab. Dyasonic uses sonic powers to thwart the evil plans of D’Spayre, a Marvel villain who feeds on fear, doubt, and negative emotions (kinda relevant considering Dyasonic manages T1D), all while managing her blood sugar with an Omnipod insulin pod.
Now, Barbie was just released with the T1D trifecta – a CGM, insulin pump, and a blue-polka-dot outfit inspired by diabetes awareness. This one is the creation of Mattel (obviously) and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Every detail – from where the pump should be worn to the CGM cover color – was designed with input from people who live with T1D.
These aren’t just good stories—they’re thoughtful, powerful collaborations.
Before Barbie Bolused—A Brief History of T1D Toys
Now, before Barbie was bolusing like the boss she is, there were earlier attempts to represent diabetes in toys and games. I won’t list them all, but a few deserve a shoutout.
If you were a kid in the ’90s, you probably missed Captain Novolin—a Super Nintendo game backed by Novo Nordisk, where a superhero battled sugary alien snacks and remembers his insulin. Think Mega Man, but with dietitian-approved dialogue. I had never heard of it, but honestly? I would’ve played it.
Then came Packy & Marlon, a pair of diabetic cartoon elephants navigating summer camp while managing their blood sugar. This game was found to have cut ER visits by 77% in kids who played it. Awkward graphics, life-saving impact? We’ll take it.
And a special shoutout to Insulet (and no, not just because I’m a PODDER) because Dyasonic wasn’t their first creative endeavor. Insulet worked with Nintendo and created “Diabetes Island” in Animal Crossing, filled with scavenger hunts and CGM-themed gear.
Plush Heroes and Brick-Based Representation
And of course, the animals. Rufus the Bear. Jerry the Bear. Lenny the Lion. The Diabetes Warrior Bunny. At this point, we’ve got a whole Ark’s worth of plush pals—many with pumps, sensors, and messages of hope. Even LEGO’s Hanna wears a CGM (you’ve got to look really closely at her arm) and comes with a diabetes monitor, bringing representation into the brick-based world too.
These toys help kids process diagnosis, rehearse care routines, and feel seen. Today’s options are even cooler: diabetes play kits for Build-A-Bear, superhero CGM patches, and even digital avatars that can wear insulin pumps.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
And now with Dyasonic, we have a Marvel hero who isn’t “inspiring despite” her diabetes—she’s just plain awesome. Her Omnipod 5 isn’t a limitation—it’s part of her superhero toolkit. She’s not fighting diabetes. She’s fighting villains, with diabetes in the background.
Seeing someone like you in pop culture—doll, comic, or game—is powerful, especially when you’re a kid trying to explain to your classmates why your arm beeps before lunch. It normalizes T1D, sparks questions, and shows that diabetes doesn’t stop you from doing anything.
Seeing someone like you in pop culture—doll, comic, or game—is powerful.
Because representation isn’t just about feeling seen—it’s about reshaping the story. Kids flipping through comics or playing with a CGM-equipped Barbie aren’t just having fun. They’re seeing their lives reflected back to them, with strength, humor, and confidence.
For kids, play becomes powerful. “I’m not high—I’m just pre-bolusing to save the world!” Imagine that. A CGM on Barbie’s wrist or Dyasonic’s pump in action turns medical gear into superhero gear.
For adults, it’s visibility. Gone are the days of Wilford Brimley shouting from the TV. Today, Barbie gets media buzz, and a Marvel hero with T1D is on the front page.
But Let’s Keep It Real (and Funny)
- Would I love a Barbie montage where she explains to Ken why she needs a correction bolus after dance class? Absolutely.
- Is there a sitcom waiting where Dyasonic’s sidekick can only carb-count under pressure? Yes, please.
- Still waiting for a Mario Kart where Wario pauses for a correction bolus—but hey, a guy can dream.
Bottom line: This is a win
Representation chips away at stigma. It starts conversations. It says:
“This is what diabetes looks like—and we’re in the game now.”
So yes, we now have a doll that handles a hypo mid-makeover and a hero who saves the day while rocking a pump. That’s something worth celebrating.