MINI REVIEW article
Front. Clin. Diabetes Healthc.
Sec. Diabetes Inequalities
This article is part of the Research TopicReviews in Clinical Diabetes and HealthcareView all 15 articles
Bridging the Digital Divide: Student-Led Literacy Initiatives in Diabetes Management
Provisionally accepted
Pedro Almeida Moyano1,2Mohammed Raddaoui3Andrea de Barros Coscelli Ferraz2Gustavo José Martiniano Porfírio2
Luciana A. Campos1
Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu3,4*- 1Anhembi Morumbi University, Center of Innovation, Technology, and Education (CITE), Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
- 2Inspirali Research Organization (IRO), Inspirali, Anima Educação, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- 3Alfaisal University College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 4Anhembi Morumbi University , Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE), Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
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The rapid advancement of digital health technologies—such as continuous glucose monitors, automated insulin delivery systems, and telehealth platforms—has transformed diabetes management. However, a persistent digital divide continues to amplify health disparities based on socioeconomic status, geography, and age. Generational gaps are especially notable. "Digital immigrants" (older adults) often face significant barriers to technology adoption, such as reduced digital literacy, lower smartphone ownership, and difficulties using remote care platforms. Individuals aged 80 and above have much lower uptake of continuous glucose monitors and telemedicine, even when cost is not a barrier. Health literacy and language challenges further increase the impact and reduce the use of digital health tools among older adults. In contrast, "digital natives"—younger generations with strong technological skills—are well positioned to help bridge this divide. This mini-review summarizes current evidence on disparities in digital diabetes care and proposes an innovative, student-led solution. We advocate for empowering digital native health sciences students to lead digital health literacy initiatives and serve as technology mentors for both patients and clinicians. By establishing student-led digital literacy centers, academic institutions can promote intergenerational collaboration. This approach can turn the generational divide from a barrier into an opportunity. Ultimately, student-led initiatives offer a sustainable, community-based pathway to equitable adoption of digital diabetes technologies and improved health outcomes.
Keywords: Digital Health, diabetes management, digital divide, health equity, Digital Literacy, Student-led initiatives, Digital natives, Intergenerational mentoring
Received: 29 Oct 2025; Accepted: 18 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Moyano, Raddaoui, de Barros Coscelli Ferraz, Martiniano Porfírio, Campos and Baltatu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu, ocbaltatu@gmail.com
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