For the past eight years, several Tampa doctors have enforced a strict daily regimen of multiple insulin shots and blood tests among their diabetes patients.

Insulin-dependent diabetics who keep their blood sugar level as close to normal as possible through periodic blood tests and insulin shots reduce the chances of long-term damage to eyes, kidneys and nerves, according to the study released in Las Vegas at the American Diabetes Association's annual scientific session.

Dr. Brendan O'Malley of the Diabetes Treatment Center at University Community Hospital said the study is the biggest breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes since doctors discovered how to use insulin.