BOSTON -- A new treatment for diabetes is showing promise. Researchers found a way to cure diabetes in animals. News Center 5's Liz Brunner reported Tuesday on the findings.

Earlier this month, some laboratory mice at Children's Hospital in Pittsburg had type 1 diabetes. Now they do not. Researchers say they were cured by a treatment that reverses the condition in new patients. It begins with Leukophoresis.

"Leukophoresis is just to extract the white cells, giving back to the patient the red, the serum and everything," said Dr. Massimo Trucco, of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. "When we have just the white cells, we grow in our petri dish until we have a sufficient number," he said.

Those cells are then treated and returned to the patient with the ability to block the immune system's attack on insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. In anticipation of human trials, researchers developed a vaccine to make the process easier.

"They will still need an injection very close to the site where the pancreas is, but it will be under the skin injection, so it's very safe, and it's no different than doing an allergy test," said Dr. Nick Giannoukakis, a pathologist.

Before that therapy is offered, it must be proven safe. Ryan Cupps, 19, is hoping it will help him. He takes six insulin injections every day for his diabetes. He's taking part in the phase 1 human trial of the therapy.

"Over 20 million people have diabetes, and if I can help, that's 20 million people. You know, I'm going to do it," Cupps said.

The early human trials are expected to be finished by the end of the year. Researchers are hoping to begin the phase 2 study next year.