Instructions to Authors

The British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease is pleased to consider original papers, reviews, discussions of topical issues, case studies, meeting reports, and other contributions relevant to the understanding, treatment and care of diabetes and vascular disease.

Original papers and reviews are sent for independent peer-review.

Material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it has not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. Authors will be asked to confirm this in writing and transfer copyright to the journal.

All submissions should be written in a clear and succinct manner, following the style of the journal. Title page should include a descriptive title; authors surname and forename, address of each author and full address, telephone, fax and email contacts for the corresponding author. In text: tables and figures are either inserted as part of sentence, for example table 1 or in parentheses for example (figure 1). Each table should carry a descriptive heading. Each figure should be submitted either electronically or as finalised hard copy with descriptive legends on a separate sheet. In text: References (where relevant) by superscript number after punctuation. References numbered in the order of appearance in the text, according to Vancouver style. For papers: Author AB, Author C, Author KGMM. The title of the article. Abbrev J Title 1999;14:172-83. For book chapters: Author AB, Author CD. The title of the chapter in: Editor A, Editor BC, ed. Title of the book 2nd edition. Publisher, Location, 1999:133-9.
Single author articles should be accompanied by a relatively recent photograph of the author. Each photograph submitted should be no smaller than 55 mm x 70 mm in size and at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.

Original papers: Title page as above. Abstract (<150 words) a short inclusive statement suitable for direct electronic abstracting identifying the purpose of the study, key methods, the main results and the main conclusion. Key words: maximum of 6 key words for indexing. Introduction: concise description of background, sufficient for the non-specialist to appreciate the context of the work. Clear statement of the purpose of the study. Methods: a brief description of study design, procedures, analytical techniques and statistical evaluation. Results: a clear account of the study findings using quantitative language where possible and cross referenced to tables and figures (ideally in powerpoint). Discussion: an interpretation of the study placed within the context of current knowledge leading to specific conclusions where possible. Acknowledgements. References, figures and tables as above.

Reviews: Title page as above. Abstract (<150 words) setting out the scope, key messages and conclusions of the review. Body of text liberally partitioned with headings and subheadings leading to a synopsis with conclusions at the end. Key messages in a separate box itemising 2-5 short principal statements. Acknowledgements, references tables and figures as above.

Other articles should adopt a concise style consistent with similar articles previously published in the journal. Manuscripts should include a title page, appropriate subheadings for text, style of tables, figures and references as above.

Submission
- by e-mail
Electronic versions of manuscripts, preferably in Microsoft Word format, with text double-spaced, should be submitted to: production@bjdvd.co.uk

Communication should contain the full postal address and e-mail address of the sender, and a clear indication as to whether the correspondence is to be considered for publication. Acknowledgement of receipt will be sent by e-mail.

- by post
Four copies of manuscripts, with text double-spaced, should be submitted along with a copy of the file on e-mail or CD. Authors should supply the names of all the files supplied. Additional information should include: the class of computer (IBM compatible, Apple Macintosh) and the name of the programme used. CDs submitted will only be returned upon request.

Please do not supply PDF versions of text. The document should be created using Microsoft Word, text double-spaced with one carriage return only between paragraphs and with single spaces after punctuation marks.

Spreadsheet or database files should also be supplied in both normal and ASCII format.

Postal submissions should be sent to:
Mrs Judy Wilson
MediNews (Diabetes) Limited
Edgbaston House
3 Duchess Place
Edgbaston
Birmingham, B16 8NH
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 121 454 4114
Facsimile: +44 121 454 1190

Illustrations, artwork and photographs. Illustrations should preferably be supplied on email or CD as either eps, tiff or jpeg files (minimum resolution of 300 dpi) along with the original file they were created in. Alternatively, good quality transparencies, prints, or print outs should be submitted. Each illustration should be on a separate page with legend clearly indicated. Where possible, in particular in the case of graphs and charts, a copy of the source figures should be supplied on paper, email or CD.

Do not write directly onto the reverse of photographs. The author's name and the figure number should be affixed by label and the top of the picture clearly indicated. The legend should be supplied separately on a sheet of paper bearing the relevant figure number, author's name and title of the article. Avoid the use of paper clips with prints as they may scratch the emulsion surface. All submissions containing CD, artwork and illustrations should be supplied in a stiffened envelope.

The submission of author pics should be no smaller than 55 mm x 70 mm in size and at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.

Proofs: Page proofs will be supplied to authors. Corrections should be limited to typographical amendments. Authors' approval will be assumed if corrections are not returned by the date indicated, however, a signed consent to publish form will be required. Failure to return a signed consent form to the publisher may result in delayed publication.