Medical Breakthroughs: Diabetes vaccine

Ashley Jarvis was a typical teenager when she was given a diagnosis that changed her life. "I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in February, 2010. No one in my family had type 1 so I really didn't know anything about it."

She quickly learned it will mean a life of high and low blood sugars; round the clock insulin; and strict attention to what and when she eats.

Now, new research could make her future a whole lot easier. Doctor Ruth Weinstock from Upstate Medical University is testing a novel vaccine. "What we want to do is to preserve these insulin-producing cells that have not yet been destroyed at the time of diagnosis."

Many people still have some insulin-producing cells when they're diagnosed. The new vaccine, given as four injections, contains a protein called gad that tricks the immune system to stop the destruction of those remaining vital cells.

"Even a small amount of insulin production will help the person better <

Early results show patients treated with the vaccine have preserved some insulin production and have better glucose control.

Ashley's still waiting to hear her results, but she's excited about a future where diabetes isn't the focus.

"If I have it in my head to do something, I'm going to do it and I'm not going to let one thing that affects my life stop me."