Global status and trends in type 2 diabetes remission from 2002 to 2022: A bibliometric and visual analysis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is estimated to impact 693 million individuals globally by 2045. Diabetes remission has the potential to slow disease progression, alleviate psychological burdens, minimize complications, and improve quality of life. We aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis of research on T2DM remission. We searched the Web of Science (WoS) database to identify relevant publications on T2DM remission during 2002 to 2022. Research trends and hotspots in T2DM remission were analyzed using Bibliometrix R and CiteSpace. The analysis considered various factors such as publication year, authors, journal, institution, country/region, themes, thematic evolution, keywords, and keyword bursts. The WoS search yielded 2254 articles. The annual scientific output has consistently increased. Lee was the most prolific author (48 papers). Obesity surgery was the leading journal (296 publications), while diabetes care had the highest h_index (43). The University of Copenhagen was the most active institution (116 papers). The most productive countries were the US (476), China (347), the UK (180), Italy (121), and Japan (90). The top 3 keywords were "bariatric surgery," "weight loss," and "remission." From 2013 to 2015, the usage of the term "medical therapy" significantly surged, lasting for 3 years. The term "GLP-I receptor agonists" also had a lasting burst. In the past 5 years, "weight loss" and "low-calorie diets" have emerged as prominent areas of research. This study analyzed the research trends and key factors in the field of type 2 diabetes mitigation through bibliometrics, providing important data support and a basis for decision-making for future research and public health policies.