Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping of diabetes mellitus combined with tuberculosis research: trends from 1995 to 2023

Background The synergistic epidemic of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis (DM-TB) has created a dual disease burden, challenging global health systems with complex pathophysiological interactions and suboptimal treatment outcomes. To decode the evolving research landscape, this study presents the latest comprehensive bibliometric analysis mapping the intellectual architecture of DM-TB research over three decades. Methods We systematically analyzed 791 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection (1995-2023) using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix. Advanced metrics including co-citation networks, keyword burst detection, and institutional collaboration patterns were employed to identify paradigm-shifting trends. Results Three distinct growth phases were observed: initial stagnation (1995-2007, Conclusion Beyond delineating historical trajectories, this study identifies critical knowledge gaps in inflammation-resolution mechanisms and insulin resistance pathways, proposing a roadmap for targeted biomarker discovery and global health policy formulation. The constructed knowledge framework empowers strategic resource allocation for combating the DM-TB syndemic.