Diabetes Management Revolutionized for Space Missions

New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) - Astronauts with diabetes may soon undertake space missions safely, as indicated by a recent study conducted during Shubhanshu Shukla's travel to the International Space Station (ISS). The study, known as the Suite Ride experiment, was conducted by UAE-based healthcare company Burjeel Holdings during the Axiom-4 mission. It revealed that commonly used diabetes management tools on Earth can be extended to space environments for comprehensive diabetes monitoring.

A statement from Burjeel Holdings called the findings a "historic advancement," potentially allowing future astronauts with diabetes to participate in space missions while introducing new possibilities for remote healthcare.

Announced at the Burjeel Institute for Global Health, New York, the study results were shared in the presence of Shamsheer Vayalil, founder of Burjeel Holdings, and Tejpaul Bhatia, CEO of Axiom Space. According to the research, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pens function reliably even in space's extreme conditions. These CGM devices offer real-time blood sugar monitoring with accuracy comparable to Earth, enabling consistent communication of glucose readings between space and ground control.

"We are proud to contribute to a future where space exploration and healthcare breakthroughs serve not just astronauts but millions of people on Earth living with diabetes," Shamsheer Vayalil noted. Additionally, Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City and Clinical Lead for the Burjeel Ax-4 Space Health Research, emphasized that this study also revolutionizes remote healthcare on Earth, extending from space to offshore oil rigs.

The insulin pens sent to the ISS are currently undergoing post-flight testing to ensure that the formulation maintains its integrity. The 18-day mission, undertaken by Shukla and three other astronauts from June 25 to July 15, included over 60 experiments conducted in microgravity.

The Suite Ride research, envisioned by Vayalil, focused primarily on diabetes management in microgravity as part of the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). The World Health Organization states that in India, around 77 million adults are affected by Type 2 diabetes, with nearly 25 million at a high risk of developing the condition.

The prior Galactic-07 mission demonstrated that commercially available insulin pens could accurately administer doses in microgravity, aligning with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines.

"This isn't just about space exploration. It's about inspiring people everywhere and proving that space exploration dreams don't end with a diagnosis," said Gavin D'Elia, Global Head of Pharma at Axiom Space. The Suite Ride experiment marked several historic firsts: it was the first instance of continuous glucose monitoring of astronauts aboard the space station, the first flight of insulin pens to the ISS, and the first validation of glucose monitoring across various methods on the station.