A grant of more than £6 million from the European Union will help Oxford University research a new treatment for diabetes.

The programme will develop ways to transplant pancreatic cells, known as islet cells, which can sense blood sugar levels and release insulin to keep sugar levels stable. It is hoped that ultimately the treatment can reverse diabetes in children soon after diagnosis.

Research is being carried out on behalf of the DRIVE (Diabetes Reversing Implants with enhanced Viability and long-term Efficacy) consortium, which consists of 14 partners from seven European countries.