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Health Literacy in People with Type 1 Diabetes: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Ilaria Milani

    (Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy)

  • Elisa Cipponeri

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
    Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni, Italy)

  • Paola Ripa

    (Nursing School, Ospedale San Giuseppe—MultiMedica, 20123 Milan, Italy)

  • Arianna Magon

    (Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy)

  • Stefano Terzoni

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Silvia Cilluffo

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Maura Lusignani

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Rosario Caruso

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
    Health Professions Research and Development Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy)

Abstract

Health literacy (HL) plays a crucial role in the self-management and clinical outcomes of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Despite its significance, research on HL in this population remains fragmented. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on HL in T1DM and assess its impact on disease management. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies up to January 2025. The review included 55 studies, primarily focusing on adolescents and young adults, examining key HL dimensions such as numeracy, self-efficacy, nutrition literacy, and the use of digital health technologies. Findings highlight that adequate HL levels are associated with improved diabetes self-care, glycemic control, and quality of life, while barriers such as low numeracy, social anxiety, and socioeconomic disparities hinder disease management. Limited research exists on HL interventions tailored to T1DM, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to enhance patient education and engagement. Given the complex interplay between HL and diabetes outcomes, integrating HL assessments into routine care and developing tailored interventions may improve long-term disease management and quality of life for individuals with T1DM.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilaria Milani & Elisa Cipponeri & Paola Ripa & Arianna Magon & Stefano Terzoni & Silvia Cilluffo & Maura Lusignani & Rosario Caruso, 2025. "Health Literacy in People with Type 1 Diabetes: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:869-:d:1669445
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carmel Bouclaous & Luna Joe Azar & Nour Barmo & Ralph Daher & Jana Tabaja & Ghida El Hout & Lina Berika, 2022. "Levels and Correlates of Numeracy Skills in Lebanese Adults with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Antonella Arghittu & Giovanna Deiana & Elena Castiglia & Adolfo Pacifico & Patrizia Brizzi & Andrea Cossu & Paolo Castiglia & Marco Dettori, 2022. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors towards Proper Nutrition and Lifestyles in Italian Diabetic Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Michael Crowe & Lorraine Sheppard, 2012. "Mind mapping research methods," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 46(5), pages 1493-1504, August.
    4. Gill Rowlands & David Whitney & Graham Moon, 2018. "Developing and Applying Geographical Synthetic Estimates of Health Literacy in GP Clinical Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-8, August.
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