Cooking for control: assessing the relationship between culinary knowledge and home cooking habits in the type 1...

In this study we analyzed culinary knowledge, skills, and habits among Spanish adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, exploring their relationship with sociodemographic variables and glycemic control. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 287 participants recruited via social media and diabetes associations. Data were collected using a culturally adapted questionnaire assessing culinary competencies, habits, and clinical variables. Participants demonstrated high self-perceived culinary competence, particularly in cooking vegetables and proteins. While family remains the primary source of initial learning (79.8%), digital platforms have emerged as the leading resource for recipes (48.1%). Significant sex and age differences were observed: both women and adults over 30 reported higher home-cooking frequencies, women also reported more frequent use of healthy techniques, and younger adults relied more heavily on unhealthy techniques. Notably, better glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%) was significantly associated with higher culinary knowledge scores and lower use of unhealthy cooking techniques and additives. Culinary self-efficacy is a key driver for healthier lifestyle choices in type 1 diabetes mellitus management. These findings highlight the need to integrate practical culinary training and digital literacy into formal diabetes education to improve long-term metabolic outcomes.