Barbie with insulin pump helps Wodonga girl feel at ease
Albury Wodonga Health gave special diabetes Barbies to young girls, helping them see themselves represented.
Riley Fenton is 8 and from Wodonga. She has type 1 diabetes and wears an insulin pump and a glucose monitor.
Other children sometimes pointed out the visible devices at school. Riley got a Barbie doll wearing the same equipment, dressed in her favourite colour blue.
Albury Wodonga Health diabetic educator Beth Wright saw the Barbie on US social media in July 2025. She arranged some funding to give them to local girls with type 1 diabetes at appointments.
About 13,000 Australian children live with type 1 diabetes. Riley now feels more confident wearing her medical devices.
- 8 years old
- Riley's age
- 3 years old
- Age of diagnosis
- August 2024
- Pump and monitor worn since
- About 13,000
- Australian children with type 1 diabetes
Why it mattersKids with chronic conditions often struggle with body image. Seeing themselves in toys builds confidence and acceptance.
AustraliaSupports thousands of Australian children managing type 1 diabetes by improving their mental health and confidence around visible medical devices.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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