Scientometric analysis and historical review of diabetic encephalopathy research: Trends and hotspots (2004-2023)

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a common and serious complication of diabetes that can cause death in many patients and significantly affects the lives of individuals and society. Multiple studies investigating the pathogenesis of DE have been reported. However, few studies have focused on scientometric analysis of DE.

To analyze literature on DE using scientometrics to provide a comprehensive picture of research directions and progress in this field.

We reviewed studies on DE or cognitive impairment published between 2004 and 2023. The latter were used to identify the most frequent keywords in the keyword analysis and explore the hotspots and trends of DE.

Scientometric analysis revealed 1308 research papers on DE, a number that increased annually over the past 20 years, and that the primary topics explored were domain distribution, knowledge structure, evolution, and emergence of research topics related to DE. The inducing factors, comorbidities, pathogenesis, treatment, and animal models of DE help clarify its occurrence, development, and treatment. An increasing number of studies on DE may be a result of the recent increase in patients with diabetes, unhealthy lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits, which have aggravated the incidence of this disease.

We identified the main inducing factors and comorbidities of DE, though other complex factors undoubtedly increase social and economic burdens. These findings provide vital references for future studies.