Researchers in England are set to test a new vaccine that they hope will cure Type 1 Diabetes. The vaccine will be tested on 72 diabetics this spring, marking the first time it will be tested on humans.

The vaccine is designed to prevent the destruction of the cells that produce insulin inside the pancreas. Type 1 Diabetes, also called Juvenile Onset Diabetes, usually starts in people under the age of 40.

Thus far, the new vaccine has been successful in tests with mice but this is the first time human beings are being given these injections.

'We have come a long way in terms of managing the condition,' said Georgia Slack of Diabetes UK. 'Now we are seeing new approaches in research emerge which are improving the chances of providing a cure. There is no doubt that any breakthroughs would have a huge impact on the treatment of people with diabetes.'

Researchers are hopeful that these tests can lead to a vaccine that will be able to prevent the disease as well as treat those who already have it. 'If it proves to be very safe, we would think about using it in people who are at high risk of developing Type 1 diabetes,' said Dr. Colin Dayan, one of the leaders of the research team.

Even if these tests are successful, a vaccine approved as safe by the FDA and other similar organizations is at least 5-10 years away.