There are no fees payable to submit or publish in this journal.

There is no charge for images that appear in black and white. Authors who wish to publish color images may do so for a fee to subsidize additional printing expenses. Color charges are $800 for the first color page and $200 for each color page thereafter. Otherwise, figures will print in black and white free of charge and they will appear in color online only. If authors choose the color option for print, an invoice will be sent later in the production process.

Optional open access publishing is available for a fee via the Sage Choice program, and Open Access agreements, where authors can publish open access either discounted or free of charge depending on the agreement with Sage. Find out if your institution is participating by visiting Open Access Agreements at Sage. Open Access agreement eligibility is determined by the corresponding author’s affiliation matching an agreement at acceptance. For more information on Open Access publishing options at Sage please visit Sage Open Access.

For information on funding body compliance, and depositing your article in repositories, please visit Sage’s Author Archiving and Re-Use Guidelines and Publishing Policies.

Open access fees do not cover page or color charges and are charged separately.

Your article must be within the scope of the journal and be of sufficient quality. If not, it will not be reviewed. Please read the journal’s Aims and Scope to see if your article is appropriate.

The manuscript must be your original work, you must have the rights to the work, and you must have obtained and be able to supply all necessary permissions for the reproduction of any copyright works not owned by you, including figures, illustrations, tables, lengthy quotations, or other material previously published elsewhere.

Article types

Features 

All feature articles must include a structured abstract of 250 words. Feature articles include: Original Research; Meta-analysis, Systematic Reviews and Integrative Reviews and ADCES Position/Consensus Statements. 

There is no limit on the number of references allowed for Original Features. 

Original Research 

This type of feature reports original investigations that are relevant to the aims and scope of the journal. Research papers should be 12-14 double-spaced pages, excluding tables, figures, and references. The following elements should be included in reports of original research: (1) structured abstract; (2) introduction with statement of the purpose of the study; (3) complete description of the methods (eg, design, sample, evaluation instruments, procedures, statistical analyses); (4) clear report of the results; and  (5) conclusions/discussion of the findings. 

All randomized controlled trials submitted for publication should include a completed CONSORT flow chart as a cited figure and the completed CONSORT checklist should be uploaded with your submission as a supplementary file. 

Quality Improvement (QI) Projects and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Reports

We encourage full-scale quality improvement (QI) projects and evidence-based (EBP) initiatives that have been implemented with solid practice, educational, or policy implications and are associated with the science of self-management related to diabetes and comorbid conditions.

Manuscripts that report pilot studies with small samples will not typically be considered for publication.

Please use the SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines as a framework for reporting new knowledge about improving healthcare. Consider all SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines. However, it may be inappropriate or unnecessary to include every SQUIRE 2.0 item in the manuscript.

Meta-analysis, Systematic Reviews, and Integrative Reviews 

Meta-analysis manuscripts are systematic, critical assessments of literature and data sources. 

Integrative and Systematic literature involves a rigorous and specific methodology that addresses a specific clinical question or issue relevant to clinical practice and provides an evidence-based, balanced, patient-oriented review on a focused topic.

Reviews should include the clinical question or issue and its importance for diabetes care and education, description of how the relevant evidence was identified, assessed for quality, and selected for inclusion; synthesis of the available evidence such that the best-quality evidence (eg, well-conducted clinical trials, meta-analyses, and prospective cohort studies) should receive the greatest emphasis; and discussion of controversial aspects and unresolved issues.

Integrative literature reviews include experimental and nonexperimental studies (diverse methodologies) to understand various perspectives on a topic. Systematic literature reviews include experimental designs and often only randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

The specific type of study or analysis, population, intervention and outcomes should be described for each article or data source. Grading of scientific evidence of studies along with a description of the grading system used should be included in the table. Authors should submit the 2020 PRISMA flow diagram and checklist. A structured abstract is required. 

The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care journal publishes reviews using a scientific method and does not publish comprehensive literature reviews, nor scoping reviews. 

Position Statements/Consensus Statements of the ADCES 

Official position statements or consensus statements of The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists are published in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care. 

Letters to the Editor 

These letters provide a forum for commenting on articles published in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care. The length should not exceed 800 words of text with a minimal number of references. One table or figure may be included, if necessary. Any comments regarding a specific article must include the title, author(s), and date of publication. Letters that contain questions or criticisms in response to a previously published paper will be forwarded to the author(s) of that article for a reply. The sharing of ideas, experiences, opinions, and alternative views is encouraged. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to accept, reject, or excerpt letters for clarity and appropriateness of content, and to accommodate space requirements. 

Reporting guidelines

Your manuscript must follow the relevant EQUATOR Network reporting guidelines, depending on the type of study. The EQUATOR wizard can help identify the appropriate guideline. You will need to upload the appropriate checklist with your submission.

Other resources can be found at NLM’s Research Reporting Guidelines and Initiatives.

If your research involves animals, you will be asked to confirm that you have carefully read and adhered to the ARRIVE guidelines.

As part of the submission process you will need to confirm that this is your original work, that you have the rights in the work, that this is for first publication in this Journal, that it is not being considered for/has not already been published elsewhere, and that you have obtained and can supply all necessary permissions for the reproduction of any copyright works not owned by you.

Please see our guidelines on prior publication.

Manuscript Submission Checklist

Review and follow The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care author and submission guidelines.

Designate a corresponding author. Please note The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care contributor policy.

Provide an abstract for all manuscripts.

Double-space manuscript and references.

Check all references for accuracy and completeness. Follow the reference style of the AMA Manual of Style 11th ed. Italicize and abbreviate journal names according to National Library of Medicine’s abbreviations.

Include a title for each table and figure and explanatory legend including abbreviations used as needed.

Upload the title page, main document (including references), and each table and figure separately.

Include research or project support/funding on the title page.

Include permission agreements for use of third party material requiring permission.

If appropriate, include information on institutional review board/ethics committee approval or waiver and informed consent.

For clinical trials, add the clinical trial identification number and the URL of the registration site.

Multiple Publications from One Study

Authors usually publish one comprehensive article from a large data set. However, there may be reasons why authors publish several articles from the same data set or study. These include the following: (a) each submitted manuscript has a very distinct and clear purpose that addresses a different research question or hypothesis from the originally published study, and (b) an additional manuscript makes an independent and significant discovery of new information or insights into knowledge and practice. The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care requires that authors submitting manuscripts from one data set or study include the following information within the body of the manuscript: (a) information about the originally published study, including an appropriate reference to the originally published paper; (b) extent of overlap in method, variables, and data analyses from the originally published paper; (c) description of participants; and (d) clear indication about the discovery of new information and how the current study differs from other publications. A clear and comprehensive disclosure about the originally published study will facilitate the editorial decision-making process and avoid duplicate or salami publishing.

Submission site

Submit your manuscript online via Sage Track.

IMPORTANT: Please check whether you already have an account in Sage Track before trying to create a new one. If you have reviewed or authored for the journal in the past year it is likely that you will have had an account created. For further guidance on submitting your manuscript online please visit ScholarOne Online Help.

Manuscripts should only be submitted with the consent of all contributing authors. The individual responsible for submitting the manuscript should carefully check that all those whose work contributed to the manuscript are listed as authors.

Ensure you upload all relevant manuscript files, including any additional supplemental files (including reporting guidelines where relevant).

Authorship

Please view our authorship policies, which includes information on criteria for authorship, who should be the corresponding author and more.

Please note that AI chatbots, for example ChatGPT, should not be listed as authors. For more information see the policy on Use of ChatGPT and generative AI tools.

Files

Manuscripts should be prepared in Word format and in accordance with the AMA Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors. 11th ed. Oxford University Press; 2019. All accepted manuscripts will be edited according to the AMA Manual of Style. 11th ed. In consultation with the author(s), the journal reserves the right to edit manuscripts for clarity, length, readability, and consistency with the style of the journal.

Manuscripts must be typed double-spaced throughout including references. Use margins of at least 1 inch on the top, bottom, and sides of each page. Nothing should be typed in all uppercase letters. Number pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, beginning with the title page, and provide a running head (not exceeding 50 characters) at the top of each page.

The manuscript should be organized in the following manner:

Title Page (including Acknowledgments)

Structured Abstract

Introduction (no heading)

Research Design, Methodology, Results, Conclusions (for features)

Text Divided into Logical Headings and Subheadings as Appropriate

References

Tables, Figures, Legends, and Illustrations/photos on Separate Pages

Upload each of the following separately: Title page, Main document (abstract, body of manuscript and references), each table, each figure.

Title Page

The title page should include (1) title of the manuscript; (2) suggested running head; (3) full name and academic degree(s) for each author. Do not include fellowships such as FADCES or FAND; (4) institutional affiliation, including department name and city/state; (5) complete mailing address, with daytime telephone and fax numbers, and email address for corresponding author; (6) acknowledgment of financial and/or other support; and (7) any acknowledgments. The title page is the only place in the manuscript where the author(s) should be identified by name. The title should be written in a brief, concise manner that accurately reflects the main idea of the paper. The running head is a shortened version of the title that should not contain the names or initials of any authors.

Structured Abstract

All original feature articles, quality improvement (QI) reports, and evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives must include a structured abstract of no more than 250 words using the following headings:

a. Purpose (Begin this section with the sentence: The purpose of this study is to. . . . Include the rationale for the study, hypotheses, objectives)b. Methods (study design, setting, characteristics of the sample, intervention, data collection procedures, evaluation measures)c. Results (key findings only, no details or statistics)d. Conclusions (information supported by the data, implications)

In general, the structured abstract should be written in a brief, concise style that provides an overview of the information in the article and allows the reader to survey the contents. Use simple, concrete words and short sentences that provide information rather than describing what information will appear in the article.

Terminology

The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care journal supports person-first language. Do not use the word diabetic. For a list of language to avoid (such as blood glucose control, medication adherence or compliance) see suggested substitutions. Please refer to the following publication:

Dickinson JK, Guzman SJ, Marynuik MD, et al. The use of language in diabetes care and education. Diabetes Educ. 2017; 43(6):551-564. doi: 10.1177/0145721717735535

Use “blood glucose monitoring” (not blood sugar monitoring), “blood glucose check” (not test), and “blood glucose” (not blood sugar).

Use “type 1 diabetes” (Arabic numeral) and “type 2 diabetes.” Do not use “Type I or II” nor “IDDM” or “NIDDM.”

“T1DM” and “T2DM” are acceptable abbreviations for “type 1 diabetes” and “type 2 diabetes.”

“A1C” (not A1c or HbA1c) should be used.

“Low income” and “no income” are preferred over “the poor” or “the unemployed.”

“First world/third world” and “developed/developing” not recommended for descriptors for countries/regions.

The term “diabetes educator” has been replaced by “diabetes care and education specialist.”

Laboratory Data

All clinical laboratory data including A1C should be given in traditional units followed in parentheses by units in the metric system according to the Systéme International d’Unités (SI units). Use the NGSP’s A1C converter at http://www.ngsp.org/convert1.asp to calculate A1C values as both percent and mmol/mol. For example, blood glucose levels should be stated in the following manner: 80 mg/dL (4.44 mmol/L). Abbreviate units of measure in the text only when accompanied by numbers; units of measure should be abbreviated in tables. 

• Figures and images.
• All figures must be numbered consecutively in the order in which they appear in the text – they will appear in the published article in the order they are numbered.
• Figure resolution is 300dpi. More information on figure/image preparation can be found here.
• Supplemental material. This journal can host additional materials online (e.g. datasets, podcasts, videos, images, etc) alongside the full-text of the article. Your supplemental material must be one of our accepted file types. For that list and more information please refer to our guidelines on submitting supplemental files.

• Complete list of authors, with their institutional affiliations.
• The author information you enter at submission must exactly match what is included on your manuscript and/or title page, including full names, academic affiliations, and corresponding author contact details.
• The listed affiliation should be the institution where the research was conducted. If an author has moved to a new institution since completing the research, the new affiliation can be included in a note at the end of the manuscript.
• All listed authors must meet the criteria for authorship (above).
• All persons eligible for authorship must be included at the time of submission.
• All authors must have given consent for the manuscript to be submitted in its current form.
• Keywords: During submission, you may be asked to select or enter keywords for your manuscript. These keywords are used to match appropriate reviewers to your manuscript.
• The number of figures, tables, and words in your manuscript.
• Funder information: Name, grant/award number.
• You may be required to enter your declaration of conflicting interest as part of the submission process, in addition to listing it on your manuscript and/or title page. Please have it on hand.

The following summary describes the peer review process for this journal:
Identity transparency: Double-anonymized
Reviewer interacts with: Editor
Review information published: None

Your manuscript will undergo an initial evaluation. If it does not conform to the requirements laid out in these guidelines, it will be returned to you for amendments prior to peer review. Manuscripts may be desk rejected without peer review at this point if they are out of scope for the journal or otherwise unsuitable.

After passing the initial evaluation, your manuscript will then be peer reviewed. You can log in at any time to check the status of your manuscript. We will notify you when a decision has been reached.

The journal adheres to a rigorous double-anonymized reviewing policy in which the identity of both the reviewer and author are always concealed from both parties. Two independent reviews are required for a manuscript to reach a Revise or Accept decision.

To ensure the integrity of the peer review process we assign reviewers and cannot accept author recommendations.

All manuscripts are reviewed as rapidly as possible, while maintaining rigor. Reviewers make comments to the author and recommendations to the Editor who then makes the final decision on all manuscripts, including those appearing in a special issue or special collection. The Editor or members of the Editorial Board may occasionally submit their own manuscripts for possible publication in the Journal. In these cases, the peer review process will be managed by alternative members of the Board and the submitting Editor/Board member will have no involvement in the decision-making process.

The journal has an Editorial Advisory Board who serve the journal as external peer reviewers. Each member of the Editorial Advisory Board are active researchers in the field and selected based on strict criteria, ensuring they possess the necessary expertise and experience. The Editor(s) may use one Editorial Advisory Board Member as a reviewer for each manuscript, and will then reach beyond this pool to include additional reviewers to meet the required number before a decision can be made. This ensures a comprehensive and robust peer review process, aligning with our commitment to publish the most credible and valid research. Care is taken not to invite any Editorial Advisory Board Member that has any potential conflict of interest with any author of the paper.

As a COPE member we engage with multiple forms of post-publication discussion in line with wider guidance from Sage: Commentaries, Critiques and Responses.

You can view our complaints and appeals policy here.

Read Sage's complete peer review policy.

Plagiarism

The journal and Sage take issues of copyright infringement, plagiarism or other breaches of best practice in publication very seriously. Please read Sage's complete policy on plagiarism and the actions we may take.

Contributor’s Publishing Agreement

Before publication, we require the author as the rights holder to sign a Journal Contributor’s Publishing Agreement. Sage’s Journal Contributor’s Publishing Agreement is an exclusive license agreement which means that the author retains copyright in the work but grants Sage the sole and exclusive right and license to publish for the full legal term of copyright. Exceptions may exist where an assignment of copyright is required or preferred by a proprietor other than Sage. In this case copyright in the work will be assigned from the author to the society. For more information please visit the Sage Journal Author Gateway.

Production

Your Sage Production Editor will keep you informed as to your article’s progress throughout the production process. Proofs will be made available to the corresponding author via our editing portal, Sage Edit, or by email, and should be returned promptly to avoid delaying publication. Authors are reminded to check their proofs carefully to confirm that all author information, including names, affiliations, sequence, and contact details are correct, and that Funding and Conflict of Interest statements, if any, are accurate. This is the final opportunity to make changes to your manuscript. Further corrections will not be possible after publication. Changes to the author list are not permitted at this stage.

Publication

OnlineFirst publication: This enables us to publish final articles online immediately, without waiting for assignment to a future issue of the Journal. This usually significantly reduces publication lead time. Visit the Sage Journals help page for more details, including how to cite OnlineFirst articles.

Access to your published article: We provide you with online access to your published article. The online access link is provided to the corresponding author for sharing with their co-authors.

Promoting your article

Publication is not the end of the process. Between us, we can ensure that your article is found, read, downloaded and cited as widely as possible. Many of the most effective tactics are those you can do quickly and easily to your network of contacts and peers. Visit the Promote Your Article page on the Sage Journal Author Gateway for numerous resources to help you promote your work.

The Sage Journal Author Gateway has some general advice on how to get published, plus links to further resources. Sage Author Services also offers authors a variety of ways to improve and enhance your article including English language editing, plagiarism detection, and video abstract and infographic preparation.

If you have any questions about publishing with Sage, please visit the Sage Journals Solutions Portal.

You can view our complaints and appeals procedure.

Contact us

You can direct any questions to the journal’s editorial office:

James A. Fain, PhD, RN, BC-ADM, FADCES, FAAN
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Graduate School of Nursing
55 Lake Ave. North
Worcester, MA 01655
508-856-5801 (O)
James.fain@umassmed.edu