Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychosocial Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a critical focus in managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), emphasizing the need to integrate physiological, psychological, and social dimensions into clinical practice. Despite the growing prevalence of T2DM worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the global research landscape of HRQoL remains unevenly distributed. Objectives: This study is aimed at systematically analyzing the global research trends, key contributors, and influencing factors of HRQoL in patients with T2DM using bibliometric methods, providing insights to guide future research and targeted interventions. Methods: A total of 6470 articles published before October 31, 2024, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). We analyzed publication trends, national and institutional contributions, author impact, journal distribution, and keyword co-occurrence using bibliometric tools. Factors influencing HRQoL were identified through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on physiological, psychological, and social determinants. Results: The number of publications in the field has grown rapidly since 2000, with 40.03% of all articles published in the past 5 years. The United States led global research output with 1620 articles and 98,354 citations, followed by China (622 articles) and the United Kingdom (529 articles). However, China's average citations per article (15.50) lagged significantly behind developed countries such as the United Kingdom (62.70) and the United States (60.70). Key factors influencing HRQoL included psychological health (e.g., depression and anxiety), sleep disturbances, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and diabetes-related complications. Early research focused on metabolic control and complications, whereas recent studies have increasingly emphasized integrating psychosocial factors and patient-centered management strategies. Conclusions: HRQoL research in T2DM reflects a shift toward holistic, patient-centered approaches that address the complex interplay of clinical, psychological, and social factors. Future research should prioritize addressing disparities in low- and middle-income countries, leveraging international collaboration, and utilizing advanced digital health technologies to enhance HRQoL monitoring and interventions. These efforts will be critical in improving the overall well-being and long-term outcomes of patients with T2DM globally.