A cure for type 1 juvenile diabetes is within reach according to researchers, helping thousands of young diabetic Australians currently at risk of blindness and kidney disease.

Type 1 diabetes is the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood. It strikes at random and is caused by an auto-immune reaction that destroys insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. It is irreversible and its complications include blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, limb amputation, heart attack and stroke.

People with type 1 diabetes must test their blood glucose levels 10-12 times every day and have four to six insulin injections just to stay alive.

Throughout May, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) will campaign to raise money for research into finding a cure for this disease. All Australians are urged to support the search for a cure by buying JDRF Jelly Babies merchandise on sale in Woolworths Supermarkets and Amcal Pharmacies nationally and at Civic Video stores in NSW.

Sheila Royles, JDRF Chief Executive Officer, said that for the first time in history, a cure for diabetes was now within reach.

"With the support of all Australians we will have the chance to save many thousands of young people from its life-threatening complications," Mrs Royles said.

"In the last 12 months alone, Australian researchers have made critical breakthroughs. They have successfully transplanted insulin producing beta cells that, when combined with immunosuppressant drugs, are enabling people with diabetes to live without regular injections of insulin.

"They have also successfully delayed the onset of some complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, caused when blood leaks into the iris in the eye," she said.

Mrs Royles said that about 80 per cent of people with juvenile-onset diabetes will develop retinopathy within 15 years of diagnosis. This can lead to blurred vision and blindness. "Twenty four per cent will develop symptoms after just five years," she said.

"When you consider this disease develops in childhood, many young people with type 1 diabetes are experiencing onset of complications in their early 20s. Living with the fear of possible blindness, heart attack, kidney failure and amputation is tragic for these young people and their families."

It is estimated that 100,000 Australians have type 1 diabetes. Every day, two more children in Australia are diagnosed with the disease.

Gina Pash, 38, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. Today she has 50 per cent vision in her left eye from the effects of retinopathy. She has also developed diabetes-related kidney problems and takes medication daily.

Gina said that while most young people put on a brave face in dealing with the disease, the onset of complications had made it a tough, long-term battle.

"I'm 38 and dealing with problems that someone 60 or 70 might experience," Gina said.

"It's so important for people to manage their insulin regime tightly, visit their optometrist every two years and to take immediate action when health problems arise," she said.

Mrs Royles said the impact of juvenile diabetes was underestimated because many people mistakenly believed that insulin was a 'cure'.

"Some people also see type 1 diabetes as the result of obesity and eating too much sugar. This is not the case - poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are factors contributing to type 2 diabetes only," she said.

"And while daily injections of insulin will sustain life, they don't always prevent complications such as retinopathy from developing. Vision loss may be delayed if detected and treated early. However, the only real solution is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes," she said.

Mrs Royles said that Jelly Babies were adopted by the JDRF as a symbol of hope for children with type 1 diabetes. "They are often eaten by people with type 1 as a quick source of sugar when their blood sugar level falls critically low. This tiny sweet snack can actually prevent them falling into a coma," she said.

"Jelly Babies are a simple, fun way to contribute to this global effort. Every dollar raised can attract up to $3 in international funding for the best and most promising diabetes research in the world," Mrs Royles said.

For further details, or an interview with Sheila Royles, Gina Pash, or a JDRF Youth Ambassador in your area (a local child with diabetes), please call John Cooke at Kind Public Relations: (03) 9696 5909.