New Delhi: The upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, will include a medical experiment to study how glucose and insulin behave in microgravity. The research could lead to better diabetes management both in space and on Earth.
As part of the “Suite Ride” initiative by UAE-based Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with Axiom Space, astronauts will wear continuous glucose monitors during their 14-day stay on the ISS. The experiment will track any changes in blood sugar levels in zero gravity.
“We are trying just to see if there is any change or fluctuation to the blood-sugar levels while they are in space,” said Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Holdings, Abu Dhabi.
Astronauts will also carry insulin pens stored at both refrigerated and room temperatures to observe how insulin molecules respond to microgravity conditions. The findings could improve understanding of how medications function in space and inform new treatment approaches.
“We are hoping that if we learn something about the metabolism or the effect, we will bring some information and we can do something for our patients on Earth,” Fityan added.
NASA currently does not permit astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) to travel to space. While non-insulin-dependent diabetics are not officially excluded, no astronaut with diabetes has flown yet.
The data could lead to advanced wearable technologies for continuous glucose monitoring, benefiting astronauts and people with limited mobility, such as those who are bedridden or paralysed.
“It has the potential to transform the future of space travel for astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), a condition historically considered disqualifying for space missions,” Fityan said.
The experiment could also identify new pharmacological targets by tracking changes in metabolism and hormonal response in space. This may lead to drugs that improve insulin sensitivity or simulate the effects of exercise in sedentary individuals.
Researchers aim to use AI-powered predictive models from space data to personalise diabetes care on Earth. These models could forecast insulin needs and metabolic shifts more accurately.
The project may also support the development of remote monitoring systems for continuous metabolic data capture, improving diabetes care in remote areas and tele-health settings.
(With inputs from PTI)