Bibliometric analysis highlights racial diversity of type 2 diabetes research: Global trends from 2010 to 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects millions worldwide with marked racial disparities in prevalence, pathophysiology, and outcomes. Despite growing research, the global landscape and focus on racial diversity in T2D research remain unclear.

To map and characterize research on T2D and race, with a focus on publication. Research design and methods: We performed a bibliometric analysis of 9087 English-language publications on T2D and 5 mutually exclusive racial populations (American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Indigenous; Asian; Black; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; and White) from 2010 to 2024, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R software, we analyzed publication trends, country and institutional contributions, key authors, keyword clusters, and citation patterns across the racial populations.

Annual publications and citations increased steadily within 15 years. Research output and influence were most frequently associated with White populations, followed by Asian and Black populations. The United States and China contributed the most publications, while international collaboration remained limited but regionally focused. Keyword analysis revealed race specific research emphases, such as gestational diabetes in Indigenous groups and hypertension in Black populations. Studies on Asian and Black populations tended to receive fewer citations and were published in journals with comparatively lower impact factors than those focusing on White populations.

Our study reveals significant diversities in T2D research coverage and impact across racial groups. Enhanced global collaboration and culturally tailored approaches are essential to address racial disparities and improve T2D prevention and care worldwide.