Scientists believe diabetes could be cured after discovering the mechanism responsible for causing the disease.

Researchers at Manchester University found that the illness is caused when chunks of the hormone amylin clump together, stopping the cells producing insulin – and it appears to explain both type-2 and type-1.

And the discovery could change the lives of tens of millions of people worldwide, with scientists optimistic the find could pave the way for drugs that stop the hormone build-up and dissolve clumps already in place.

However while diabetes suffers will be excited by the news, charities urge people to adopt healthier lifestyles to combat and prevent the disease rather than wait for a drug.

‘While there is no way to reduce your risk of type-1 diabetes, the most effective way to reduce your risk of type-2 is to keep to a healthy weight by eating a healthy balanced diet and being physically active,’ said Dr Alasdair Rankin, Director of Research at Diabetes UK.

The Manchester University team hopes to have potential medicines ready to go into clinical trials within two years and these will be tested on diabetes patients suffering from both type-1 and type-2.

The majority (85 percent) of diabetes sufferers have type-2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity, poor diet and sedentary lifestyles, which can cause insulin resistance, resulting in high blood sugar.

Untreated, diabetes can have life-threatening complications including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.