Sjöstrand M, Gudbjörnsdottir S, Strindberg L, Lönnroth P: Delayed transcapillary delivery of insulin to muscle interstitial fluid after oral glucose load in obese subjects.Diabetes 54:152-157, 2005

As a result of a letter to the editor from two readers who identified major inconsistencies in the data of the above-listed article, the authors were asked to find a plausible explanation or otherwise retract the article. The response from the authors (see below) led to the retraction of the article. The editors are especially grateful to the two colleagues who spotted the mistake and made the effort to have it corrected.

Dear Dr. Matschinsky,

Thank you for your letter regarding our article “Delayed Transcapillary Delivery of Insulin to Muscle Interstitial Fluid After Oral Glucose Load in Obese Subjects.”

As pointed out in the letter of critique to the editor, it is obvious that the plasma insulin levels in Figs. 2 and 3 are contradictory. Totally shocked by this, we have gone through the data and the statistics and recalculated the results of interest. It then appears that the plasma insulin values given in Fig. 3 are correct. In Fig. 2A, levels from −15 min were incorrectly depicted as being from 0 min, resulting in a 15-min shift in the plasma insulin curve. The error was systematically produced when data were transferred from an Excel sheet to a Statview program, and consequently both Fig. 2A and the statistical evaluation became totally wrong. This misled us to make incorrect conclusions for the whole study. Therefore, we must ask you to be so kind as to retract the article as soon as possible.

We realize that this unacceptable error is not only deeply embarrassing for us but also is causing a great deal of trouble for the journal. Therefore, we would like to express our gratitude to the observant readers who pointed out the error, as well as express our deep regrets to the journal and its readers. We will certainly go through our routines and also repeat the current study.

This letter may be regarded as the statement from the authors and may be published as such if considered appropriate for Diabetes.

Yours sincerely,

MIKAELA SJÖ STRAND, MD, PHD

SOFFIA GUDBJÖ RNSDOTTIR, MD, PHD

LENA STRINDBERG

PETER LÖ NNROTH, MD, PHD

Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Sahlgrenska Academy,Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Gö teborg, Sweden.