Breakthrough Study Enables Astronauts with Diabetes to Safely Travel to Space: Findings from Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS Mission

A groundbreaking study conducted during Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the International Space Station suggests astronauts with diabetes may soon safely participate in space missions.

The UAE-based healthcare organization Burjeel Holdings carried out the "Suite Ride" experiment during the Axiom-4 mission, demonstrating that standard diabetes management tools used by millions on Earth can effectively provide comprehensive diabetes monitoring in space environments.

"This historic breakthrough paves the way for future astronauts living with diabetes and introduces new solutions for remote healthcare delivery," according to a statement released by Burjeel Holdings.

The research findings were presented at the Burjeel Institute for Global Health in New York, with Shamsheer Vayalil, Burjeel Holdings founder, and Tejpaul Bhatia, Axiom Space CEO, in attendance.

Research results confirmed that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) - wearable devices that track blood sugar levels in real time - and insulin pens can function reliably under extreme space conditions.

Preliminary data indicates CGMs maintain accuracy comparable to Earth-based measurements, allowing for real-time glucose monitoring of astronauts in microgravity and transmission of readings to ground control.

Shamsheer Vayalil stated, "We are proud to contribute to a future where space exploration and healthcare innovations benefit not just astronauts but millions of individuals on Earth living with diabetes."

Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City and Clinical Lead of the Burjeel Ax-4 Space Health Research, emphasized, "Beyond creating opportunities for astronauts with diabetes, these discoveries will transform healthcare delivery on Earth. From 250 miles above our planet to 25 miles offshore on oil rigs, we're developing new models of remote care."

Insulin pens transported to the space station are currently undergoing post-flight analysis to evaluate the formulation's integrity.

Shukla and three fellow astronauts completed an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station from June 25 to July 15 this year, conducting over 60 microgravity experiments.

Conceived by Vayalil, the Suite Ride research concentrated on diabetes monitoring and management in microgravity during the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4).

According to WHO statistics, India has approximately 77 million people over 18 years old with Type 2 diabetes, with nearly 25 million pre-diabetics at elevated risk of developing the condition in the near future.

During last year's Galactic-07 mission, researchers demonstrated that commercially available insulin pens could deliver accurate doses in microgravity, meeting International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines.

Gavin D'Elia, Global Head of Pharma at Axiom Space, remarked, "This isn't simply about space exploration. It's about inspiring people everywhere and showing that a diabetes diagnosis doesn't end their dreams of space exploration."

D'Elia added, "Together, we're advancing the potential to fly the first astronaut with diabetes, innovations in diabetes monitoring and remote healthcare."

According to Burjeel, the Suite Ride experiment achieved several historic milestones, including the first continuous glucose monitoring of crew aboard the space station, the first insulin pens transported to the station, and the first validation of glucose monitoring using multiple measurement methods on the space station.