A doctor in Massachusetts is leading the research on a potential breakthrough when it comes to treating Type 1 diabetes in children.Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and if left untreated, it can cause serious health damage.”Brain, the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, the limbs — so if nothing is done, they begin to have complications,” said Dr. Benjamin Nwosu, a professor at pediatrics at the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester.Nwosu’s research shows giving young Type 1 diabetes patients doses of vitamin D when they are first diagnosed slowed the progression of the disease, keeping them in what’s known as the “honeymoon period” of the illness.”So for vitamin D, which is a cheap and easily available product, to actually impact this phase is significant,” Nwosu said. “Classically, honeymoon periods last from three months to 12 months. However, there are recent studies now showing that they are actually able to pick up actually pick up C-peptide and evidence of insulin production in people who have had diabetes for more than 50 years. So it can last for long in some people.”Nwosu said there is more research to do in terms of the impact of the treatment, but his message to families living with this illness is clear.”What I think our study shows is that if someone is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the parents can actually feel confident to add vitamin D as a supplement to what they are receiving. Most kids are receiving vitamin D anyway,” he said.Nwosu said what is most critical for Type 1 diabetes patients is starting treatment and good habits as soon as they are diagnosed with the disease. He said better blood sugar control from the start can keep more serious impacts of the disease at bay.