Digital management of diabetes global research trends: a bibliometric study

The rapid development in the field of digital diabetes management has captured significant attention. However, a comprehensive quantitative synthesis of the literature in this field remains scarce. This study aims to systematically map the evolutionary trajectory and knowledge structure of global research on digital diabetes management from 2010 to 2024, and to identify emerging research fronts and opportunity gaps within the field. Based on the bibliometric findings, we propose actionable recommendations for stakeholders to bridge the gap between technological validation and real-world implementation.

The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was searched for publications on digital diabetes management from January 1, 2010, to December 16, 2024. The information was then thoroughly examined. The analyzed data was visualized using CiteSpace 6.2.4, VOSviewer 1.6.20, the R program "bibliometrix," and the literature analysis website.

A total of 1,284 eligible publications were extracted from 101 countries/regions, with the United States contributing the highest number of articles. Meanwhile, Diabetes Care was identified as the most cited journal among various journals in the field. By analyzing the extracted literature with keyword clustering, the research hotspots were mainly focused on the "digital divide," "artificial intelligence," and "digital health." In addition, an analysis of keyword emergence shows that "patient education," "self-management education," and "life style intervention" represent the current research frontiers.

Artificial intelligence has received widespread attention as an important research area and emerging research trend in diabetes digital management. In the foreseeable future, the research paradigm in the field of digital diabetes management is gradually shifting toward enhancing patient engagement and emphasizing comprehensive lifestyle interventions.