The University is hopeful the findings will make a real difference

The money comes from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which says it will contribute further funding over the next two years.

Researchers say juvenile - or type 1 - diabetes currently affects 350,000 people in the UK.

People with the condition must test their blood at least six times every day and are dependent on insulin injections to stay alive.

Professor Guy Rutter from the university said: "We are hopeful that, in the future, the findings from our study will make a real difference to the lives of people with diabetes.

"JDRF funding makes it much easier for us to pursue this research and we are grateful for the charity's ongoing support."

Bristolians made a contribution to the JDRF's fund-raising campaign last August, with a "Walk to Cure Diabetes" event that raised £50,000.