Investigating the research trajectory and future trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus and aging: a bibliometric analysis from 2009 to 2025 based on big data

Background: The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and aging has attracted growing scientific attention. Growing evidence suggests that T2DM is not only a metabolic disorder but also a condition associated with accelerated biological aging. This study aimed to systematically map the global research landscape, intellectual structure, and emerging trends at the intersection of T2DM and aging using bibliometric approaches. Methods: Publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2025 were retrieved, yielding 3,048 records. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R to construct collaboration networks, co-citation structures, and keyword evolution patterns. Results: After a moderate growth phase from 2011 to 2015, publication output increased markedly from 2016 onward and reached a peak in 2025, accompanied by the progressive formation of an international collaboration network dominated by the United States and China. Mechanistic studies constituted the primary research focus, particularly those related to cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Cellular senescence emerged as a structurally central node within the knowledge network. Thematic evolution analysis further revealed increasing attention to aging-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. Recent research fronts have increasingly focused on molecular pathways, including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and epigenetic regulation. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving research landscape linking T2DM and aging. The prominence of senescence-related pathways highlights a growing convergence between diabetes research and aging biology. Emerging strategies targeting fundamental aging mechanisms-including senolytic therapies and glucose-lowering drugs with potential geroprotective effects such as metformin and empagliflozin-represent promising directions for future research.