Diabetes could be cured with new 'breakthrough' discovery, researchers say

Melbourne scientists have made a world-first discovery that could potentially lead to a cure of type 1 diabetes for millions of Australians.

The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has found dead pancreatic cells, which produce the body's insulin, can be revived in just two days when they are injected with an approved cancer drug.

The find could modify the disease and even lead to a cure, Professor Sam El-Osta said.

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"This is an important breakthrough," he said.

An estimated 1.9 million Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes, which is the seventh most common cause of death by disease, according to Diabetes Australia.

For them, a cure is unfortunately still up to a decade away.

The next step for researchers is animal testing and, if successful, human trials, but a lack of funding could delay advancement.

"The gap between fundamental research and clinical research is paramount and we're aware of that," El-Osta said.

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The news still offered some relief to Amelia Travers, who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 35 and had her whole world impacted by the disease.

"Food to exercise to sleeping ... everything changes very, very quickly," she said.

"We might be able to say goodbye to at least some of the 24/7 job."