Mapping the Landscape of Epigenetic Research in Diabetes Mellitus: A Decade-Long Bibliometric Analysis (2014-2024)

Epigenetic regulation constitutes critical molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetes and disease progression. While substantial mechanistic investigations exist, the field lacks systematic mapping of research trends, collaborative networks, and emerging frontiers.

To conduct the first comprehensive bibliometric evaluation of epigenetic studies in diabetes mellitus and its complications (2014-2024), identifying key research domains, international collaboration patterns, and innovative investigative directions to inform strategic research planning and highlight opportunities for innovative therapeutic approaches.

We interrogated the Web of Science Core Collection using stringent inclusion criteria, analyzing 1,451 publications through advanced multi-dimensional metrics in CiteSpace (6.2.R4), VOSviewer (1.6.20), and Bibliometrix (4.1.3).

A total of 1,451 original and review articles were retrieved, involving 83 countries/regions, 576 journals, and 7,645 authors. The United States produced the highest number of publications (n = 464), followed by China (n = 283) and Italy (n = 121). The International Journal of Molecular Sciences was the leading journal (66 publications), dominated by review articles (n = 53). Author collaboration networks were extensive, with Charlotte Ling emerging as the most prolific and influential author in publications, citations, and H-index. Keyword co-occurrence analyses emphasized type 2 DM, gestational DM, and diabetic nephropathy as primary research focuses, while new frontiers highlighted potential links to Alzheimer's disease and fibroblast biology.

This multi-dimensional analysis provides quantitative visualization of research evolution, delineates current investigative priorities, and highlights underexplored therapeutic targets. Our findings establish a strategic framework for transdisciplinary collaboration in precision diabetology.