"Perhaps if we expose the system to insulin and occasionally shut off the hormones that make insulin, [to allow the cells to rest], we can stop Type I diabetes," says Dr. Richard C. Eastman, director of the NIDDK division of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic diseases.

Another hypothesis suggests that the immune system will develop a tolerance to insulin if large doses of the substance are introduced into the body. It is possible that an immune system acclimated to the high insulin levels would be less likely to attack the insulin-producing cells, according to Wilson.

The study was inspired by early studies on animals and a human study conducted by the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

The Joslin study, which included twelve people at high risk of developing Type I diabetes, was led by Jackson, the Medical School professor who is leading the Joslin team this time around as well.

Five people who were injected with small doses of insulin did not develop diabetes during the study, though one became diabetic after the study, conclusion. The seven who were not treated with insulin all developed diabetes within three years.

This national study would never have occurred without the initiative of the doctors at Joslin, says Eastman.

"The results were so encouraging and the therapy safe enough that it seemed wise to proceed," he says.

The treatment should not affect the subject's diet, according to Robertson.

People who are interested in being screened should call 1-800-HALT-DM1 or 1-800-425-8361.