OBJECTIVES

To quantify the research contribution related to Ramadan fasting and diabetes.

METHODS

We searched for the combination of "Ramadan" and Diabetes" in the title, abstract and keywords in the Scopus database between 1989 and 2018. Articles were analysed for standard bibliometric methodology and VOSviewer was used to construct bibliometric diagrams.

RESULTS

The total number of retrieved articles was 424 articles; 112 were "Open Access". Two-thirds of articles covered original research. Articles were published in medical journals of varying influence. UK-based authors and affiliated institutions were dominant. A single author has an evident dedication to Ramadan research whereas for many authors it Ramadan research was just one aspect of their academic interest. The number publications and the extent of international collaborations were lower than expected, given the world-wide practice of Ramadan fasting by many populations with an increased prevalence of diabetes. The need to share experiences and generalizable conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first bibliometric study on diabetes in Ramadan. It is a good starting point to evaluate gaps in research activity in the field and should help identify future research directions and foster more collaboration.