Covid-19 and Type 1 Diabetes: A Scientometric Assessment of Global Publications based on the Scopus Database

Abstract

Background: The Covid-19-related diabetes research is confined mainly to type 2 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) which presents unique challenges in Covid-19, appears to be well-researched, a bibliometric assessment of this research is lacking. Materials and Methods: Using a defined search procedure, we identified publications on Covid-19-related T1D research in Elsevier’s Scopus database during 2020-2021. The data was analyzed using appropriate bibliometric tools. Results: The publications numbered 255 until August 4, 2021. Seventy-three (28.6%) were funded; these received higher average citations than non-funded (19.0 versus 9.8). The share of publications by age group was as follows: adults (36.8%), children (34.9%), adolescents (27.0%), middle-aged (15.7%), and elderly (10.6%). Sixty-nine countries participated; the USA, Italy, and UK led in productivity, whereas Canada, UK, and Italy were the most impactful. Barbara Davis Center, USA, University of Colorado, USA, and King’s College London, UK were the most productive, whereas the University of Glasgow, UK, PGIMER-Chandigarh, India, and Barbara Davis Center, USA were the most impactful organizations. USA’s Q. Ebekozien and Italy’s C. Maffeis and R. Schiaffini led in productivity, whereas Italy’s A. Avogaro and India’s S. Bhadada and R. Pal led in impact. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice and Diabetes Care were the leading journals. Only 12 (4.7%) publications were highly-cited. Conclusion: Covid-19-related T1D research has primarily been conducted in high-income countries such as the USA, UK, and Italy. There is a need to foster collaboration between high-income and low-income countries for further research to develop better management strategies for worldwide patients with the double scourge of T1D and Covid-19