Evaluating and Assessing Scientific Trends and Impact of Diabetic Nephropathy Research: A Scientometric Analysis

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a leading microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, continues to impose a growing global health burden. This study aims to examine the research output, global contributions, impact indicators, collaboration networks, and evolving research trends in DN literature published between 2020 and 2024. A refined dataset of 4,255 Scopus-indexed documents was analysed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny for bibliometric mapping, co-authorship visualization, keyword clustering, and trend detection. DN research exhibited an annual growth rate of 11.07%, with dominant output from China and rising international collaboration. However, citation metrics revealed a decline in Average Citations per Publication, reflecting a widening gap between volume and impact. Highly cited studies emphasized molecular therapies and precision diagnostics. Thematic maps revealed dominant clusters on oxidative stress, inflammation, and diabetic kidney disease, alongside emerging topics like bioinformatics and gut microbiota. This study presents a comprehensive visualization of DN’s knowledge landscape, identifying key contributors, global partnerships, and thematic trajectories.