Frequently Asked Questions
If you your question is not answered below, please email abstracts@diabetes.org for assistance.
Q: How do I submit an abstract for Scientific Sessions?
A: Abstracts must be submitted via our online Abstract Submission Site. When submissions are being accepted, a link will be posted on the Scientific Sessions Web site. We cannot accept abstract submissions outside of the online Submission Site.
Regular submissions will be accepted from October 2009 through January 8, 2010. Late Breaking submissions will be accepted from February 2010 through April 8, 2010.
Q: When is the deadline to submit abstracts for Scientific Sessions?
A: Friday, January 8, 2010, 5:00 PM EST.
Q: When is the deadline to submit Late Breaking abstracts for Scientific Sessions?
A: Friday, April 9, 2010, 5:00 PM EST.
Q: Can I submit an abstract if it has already been published or presented elsewhere?
A: No. Abstracts are not eligible if the paper has been presented at another national or
international meeting or will be published prior to the 70th Scientific Sessions - June 25-29, 2010.
Q: What is the character limit for an abstract?
A: Each abstract is allowed 2,300 characters. The character count does include spaces. The character count includes the following: Abstract Title, Abstract Body, Tables, and Figures. There is no limit on the number of characters in a table. However, the characters in a table count towards the 2,300 character count limit. Each figure counts as 320 characters. You may include up to 2 attachments (figures and/or tables) in your abstract.
Q: Why must I submit a Copyright Transfer Agreement Form?
A: Accepted abstracts will be published in the Scientific Sessions Abstract Book, the June 2010 supplement to the journal Diabetes. As such, these abstracts must follow copyright assignment requirements for the journal. Due to time constraints from processing the forms and publication deadlines, a completed Copyright Transfer Agreement must be submitted for ALL abstracts, regardless of acceptance status. In the event an abstract is not accepted for publication, the copyright will revert back to the abstract authors.
Q: Where can I get my Copyright Transfer Agreement Form?
A: After submitting the abstract and paying the submission fee, you can print your form through the Submission Site. Simply log-in to the Submission Site with the username and password used to submit the abstract, and then click on the 
icon in the © Transfer Agreement column.
Q: Where do I send my Copyright Transfer Agreement Form?
A: Fax your completed form to the ADA at 703-991-0621. All author signatures should appear on one (1) form. Please note, due to the volume of faxes received, we cannot confirm receipt. We will contact you if there are any issues with your form.
Q: When are the Copyright Transfer Agreement Forms due?
A: Completed forms must be sent to the ADA by Monday, February 1, 2010.
Q: How do I check on the acceptance status of an abstract?
A: When the Abstract Program has been determined, the presenting author will receive an email with a link to the Notification Site. Upon logging-in to the Notification Site, you will find the final abstract status and will be able to accept in invitation or withdraw the abstract online (as applicable). If invited to present at Scientific Sessions, you will be required to enter additional information.
Q: When will I be notified of my abstract acceptance status?
A: Presenting authors will be notified by mid-March 2010.
Q: When will I be notified of my Late Breaking abstract acceptance status?
A: Presenting authors will be notified by mid-May 2010.
Q: How can I obtain an abstract payment receipt?
A: You may print an abstract payment receipt through the online Submission Site. Simply log-in to the Submission Site with the username and password used to submit the abstract, and then click on the "$" icon in the Payment Receipt/Form column.
Q: How do I withdraw an abstract from Scientific Sessions?
A: If you wish to withdraw your abstract after the submission deadline, the ADA must be notified in writing. To withdraw an abstract, the Presenting Author must complete the abstract Withdrawal Form and submit it to the ADA by fax or email as indicated on the form. Please be sure to include your abstract title and Document ID and/or abstract number in your email. Only the Presenting Author has the ability to withdraw the abstract. The abstract submission fee will not be refunded upon withdrawal. Please see the Abstract Withdrawals section of this site for detailed information.
The Abstract Withdrawal Deadline is Wednesday, March 31, 2010.
The Late Breaking Abstract withdrawal deadline is Monday, May 31, 2010.
Q: Does the ADA subsidize travel expenses or offer travel stipends for abstract presenters?
A: The ADA offers a limited number of Young Investigator Travel Grants. Other than the Travel Grants, the ADA does not subsidize travel costs or offer additional travel stipends. We recommend that abstract presenters contact their institutions to see if travel assistance is available.
Q: When will abstracts be available to the general public?
A: Abstracts for the 70th Scientific Sessions will be available online through this Web site two weeks prior to the meeting.
Q: What is the abstract embargo policy for Scientific Sessions?
A: 70th Scientific Sessions Abstract Embargo Policy
Abstract authors and media are required to abide by the embargo policies governing the ADA's 70th Scientific Sessions. An embargo means that information from any abstract or presentation may not be announced, publicized or distributed before the embargo date and time. This applies to all formats of abstract publication—including abstracts on CD, the hard copy Diabetes Abstract Book, online via the Association's Web site, and other presentations.
Specific Embargo Date and Time: Abstracts selected for Posters or Published Only are embargoed from submission until 10:00 AM US Eastern Daylight Time, Saturday, June 26, 2010. Abstracts selected for Oral Presentation are embargoed from submission until the time of presentation.
Q: Are industry announcements required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) considered an embargo break?
A: No, industry announcements required by the SEC are not considered an embargo violation. However, no abstract data or results may be revealed or implied.
Q: My abstract has been accepted for publication. Do I need to withdraw my abstract?
A: Publication of manuscripts containing abstract data is permissible as long as the embargo policy of the ADA is not compromised. If a manuscript containing abstract data has been accepted for publication, the presenter is responsible for ensuring that the journal editor respects the ADA embargo policy. Publication of abstract data either in print or on a journal Web site prior to Scientific Sessions will necessitate withdrawal of the abstract.
Q: Do abstract presenters have to register for the meeting?
A: Yes, abstract presenters must register for Scientific Sessions. The oral and poster presenters of accepted abstracts will be granted a special extension of the "Early Bird" registration rate through
May 13, 2010. After May 13, 2010, abstract presenters must pay the full On-Site fee. Please see the Registration & Housing page for registration rate information.
Q: How do I find an abstract that was previously presented at Scientific Sessions or published in the Abstract Book?
A: The Scientific Sessions Web site has abstracts archived online since our meeting in 2004. If the abstract you are looking for was presented prior to this, visit your local medical library to view past copies of the journal Diabetes. The Scientific Sessions Abstract Book is the June supplement to Diabetes each year.
Q: How do I cite an abstract?
A: For detailed citation information, access the Abstract Books, Citation & Reprints section of this site.
Q: How can I purchase a Scientific Sessions Abstract Book?
A: Abstract Books may be purchased through ADA's Membership Department. The Membership Department may be reached by email at membership@diabetes.org or by phone at 1-800-232-3472. A limited number of previous Scientific Sessions Abstract Books are also available.
Q: Can I reprint previously published abstracts?
A: For abstract reprint permission, please contact the Publications Department at permissions@diabetes.org.