Researchers at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute say they've discovered a way to make pancreatic cells produce insulin using existing cancer drugs.

Researchers say they have made a breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes which could replace the need for regular insulin injections.

Research published by Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute scientists shows they have manipulated existing pancreatic stem cells to prompt them to produce insulin.

The study from the Melbourne researchers builds on previous work by Monash University scientists, using two existing cancer drugs.

The research is still in its early days and the next step will be pre-clinical animal trials.

But lead researcher and Baker institute scientist, Sam El-Osta, said the potential treatment could be viable for children and adults in the future.