CALGARY - Dr. Pere Santamaria just wanted to get a closer look at an inflamed pancreas as part of his diabetes research.

The University of Calgary professor developed a contrast agent, similar to those used for MRIs, expecting it would better highlight what was happening in the insulin-producing gland.

It didn't.

Instead, injecting that agent into diabetic animals has led to the possibility of a treatment that can both prevent and reverse Type 1 diabetes in people, offering hope to millions who suffer from the disease.

“He couldn't see the inflammation, but the reason was exciting,â€

Great news for diabetic mice who always have a hard time avoiding those doughnut crumbs they find laying around.

I've always thought this disease has to be terribly difficult for children who develop it very early in their lives.  Trying to regulate blood sugar and be so responsible about diet, exercise and treatment would be so difficult and, in many ways, rob them of their childhood.  I was fortunate I developed it when I did, at 16, because I was able to understand it but young enough to be able to adjust to it because I didn't have years and years of habits and routines to break.  Young children and their parents have a very difficult road ahead of them, and a prevention/cure really would be a miracle for them.

At last this sounds promising.  Hope it turns out for the best.