Analysis of clinical scientific research ongestational diabetes in Chile, 2010 - 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern
in Chile, strongly associated with obesity and other modifiable factors. Monitoring national scientific production helps identify research gaps and priorities. Objectives: To describe Chilean scientific output on GDM over the last 15 years, including study designs, thematic areas, indexation, and citation patterns. Methods: A descriptive
bibliometric study based on a systematic review of articles on GDM in Chile published from January 2010 to June 2025. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCO, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, complemented with manual searching. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Variables included design, thematic category, indexation, journal quartile, and citations. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 89 studies were included. Of these, 48% were observational, 19% experimental, and 33% systematic reviews. Regarding indexation, 74% were published in Web of Science, 20% in Scopus, and 6% in SciELO; 20% corresponded to Q1 journals. Main topics were pathophysiology (n=27), risk factors (n=22), and maternal–fetal complications (n=17). Preventive areas were minimally represented, including exercise (n=3) and nutrition (n=2). Scientific production increased notably from 2018, peaking in 2021, with fluctuating output thereafter. Conclusions: Chilean scientific production on GDM has expanded in volume and journal impact; however, research remains concentrated in biomedical areas. Significant gaps persist in prevention, lifestyle interventions, and updated epidemiological data. Strengthening research agendas focused on modifiable determinants and public health strategies is essential to address the burden of GDM in Chile.