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India Today
19 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission could rewrite the rules of diabetes care. Here's how
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is currently part of a historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), participating in over 60 scientific experiments as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Among them is a study that could reshape how we understand and manage diabetes: not just in space, but also on years, people with insulin-dependent diabetes have been excluded from space missions because of the challenges of managing blood sugar levels in a zero-gravity environment. The Ax-4 mission is now rethinking that 'SUITE RIDE' PROJECT: A STEP TOWARD INCLUSION A major highlight of the Ax-4 mission is a research project called Suite Ride, designed to study how glucose metabolism is affected by ultimate goal is to make it safe for people with diabetes to live and work in space."Suite Ride is investigating how the space environment affects glucose metabolism in the human body. This can enhance our understanding of diabetes and other metabolic diseases that impact blood sugar regulation," Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Clinical Lead for the Suite Ride project (Ax-4) from Burjeel Holdings, Chief Medical Officer, Burjeel Medical City, told Dr. Mohammad Fityan (right), Clinical Lead of the Burjeel–Ax-4 Space Health Research, with Gavin D'Elia (L), Global Head Of Pharma at Axiom Space and Dr. Lucie Low, Chief Scientist for Axiom Space at Kennedy Space Center. advertisementBurjeel Holdings, the research collaborator behind the project, partnered with Axiom Space to explore how Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and insulin fare in space. These tools are already revolutionising diabetes care on SPACE IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR DIABETES RESEARCHMicrogravity provides an environment that allows scientists to study the body without the usual gravitational pressures. This makes it possible to observe glucose metabolism in an entirely new light."Microgravity allows us to study metabolism without the influence of gravity. Changes in muscle mass, fluid distribution, and circadian rhythm offer new insights into glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This may lead to the identification of novel pathways and early biomarkers for insulin resistance," said Dr. studying healthy individuals in space, scientists can create a foundation for understanding how diabetes behaves in such conditions, an essential step toward future space travel for those with chronic THE STUDY WORKS ABOARD ISSDuring the two-week mission, one or more astronauts are wearing CGMs for the entire duration. These devices continuously monitor blood glucose levels and send data back to Earth. The Ax-4 crew members aboard the International Space Station. (Photo: Nasa) "One or more astronauts are wearing CGMs for the entire duration of the mission. Readings are continuously monitored, and data is being collected. Insulin pens were sent on the flight, but astronauts are not using them. We are testing the viability and stability of insulin in the space environment. Point-of-care blood samples are also being taken during the mission to validate glucose levels. Lancets, needles, and blood glucose analyzers (i-STAT) were provided by Burjeel Holdings," said Dr. BARRIERS FOR DIABETICS IN SPACEDr. Fityan explained the current barriers that keep people with diabetes from going to space:Glucose variability and hypoglycemia can be life-threatening in space, where immediate medical help isn't challenges due to storage temperatures, fluid shifts, and inconsistent absorption in need for extremely accurate glucose control, which is hard to maintain on long Ax-4 mission is helping scientists understand how healthy metabolism behaves in microgravity and whether CGMs can be safely used by astronauts with diabetes in future CARE ON EARTHThe findings from Ax-4 are not just for future astronauts. They could also benefit people on Earth, especially in remote or underserved areas. advertisementThis study could lead to:Remote monitoring platforms for real-time metabolic glucose monitors for extreme or low-resource predictive models for personal diabetes drug targets to improve insulin sensitivity."This research helps expand eligibility for spaceflight, not by lowering standards, but by creating technologies and protocols that enable safe participation for individuals with chronic conditions, such as insulin-dependent diabetes," Dr. Fityan told NEXT?Once the mission returns, researchers will analyse the data to determine the next steps."We hope this research opens the door to future studies, including sending the first astronaut with diabetes into space and exploring other metabolic and chronic conditions," said Dr. Ax-4 mission, with Shubhanshu Shukla on board, could mark a historic event, one where space is accessible even for those managing chronic conditions like diabetes, and where the lessons from above help save lives back on Earth.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Al Etihad
25-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
UAE-led diabetes research initiative embarks on space mission
25 June 2025 22:55 SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)In a milestone for the UAE's scientific aspirations, a pioneering healthcare research initiative has been launched into space aboard Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, which took off from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida after several delays. Central to the mission is Suite Ride, a novel research effort developed in partnership between Abu Dhabi-based Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, aiming to redefine the potential of space travel for individuals living with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)—a condition previously seen as incompatible with Ax-4 mission has now set course for the International Space Station (ISS), where its four-member international crew will undertake 14 days of scientific work in microgravity. Their agenda includes conducting technology demonstrations and biomedical research that promise to advance knowledge across multiple Suite Ride study is designed to test the effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)—now standard for diabetes management—under conditions of microgravity. These monitors will collect real-time glucose data throughout the mission, with comprehensive protocols spanning the preflight, inflight and postflight phases. In addition, the mission will examine how insulin behaves in space, evaluating its stability and potency after the scientific component of the project is Dr Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City and Clinical Lead for the Burjeel–Ax-4 Space Health Research. Working closely with Axiom Space's team, Dr Fityan will analyse CGM data to understand how these technologies perform in orbit, with the aim of translating the findings into practical healthcare solutions on Earth.'After months of preparation, we're excited to see our research project take flight aboard Ax-4. We're confident that the valuable insights gained will help improve healthcare access in underserved and hard-to-reach communities around the world, including in the MENA region,' said Dr commemorate the occasion, Burjeel Medical City is hosting a special exhibition highlighting the Suite Ride initiative, offering the UAE public and scientific circles an opportunity to engage with the broader implications of space health research. The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. also recently featured the project as a notable milestone in the country's growing role in human the Suite Ride mission is taking place against the backdrop of a steep rise in diabetes prevalence. The International Diabetes Federation projects 783 million cases by 2045, with the MENA region expected to see an 87% increase—underlining the urgent need for advanced remote healthcare technologies. Commanded by NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the Ax-4 mission crew includes Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India) and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (ESA/Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Collectively, they are set to conduct over 60 experiments sourced from 31 countries.
News18
25-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Diabetes To Methi & Moong Dal: Axiom 4 Will Help ISRO Study These Things
Last Updated: Axiom Mission 4: NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are collaborating to launch several scientific investigations The Axiom Mission 4, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla which was launched on Wednesday, is set to conduct major research, including 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. The research will cover space agriculture (e.g. methi, moong daal), tardigrade biology, muscle loss prevention, glucose regulation (Suite Ride diabetes study), cognitive/computer interaction, and more. This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station to date. NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are collaborating to launch several scientific investigations. These studies include examining muscle regeneration, growth of sprouts and edible microalgae, survival of tiny aquatic organisms, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity. WHAT ISRO WILL STUDY The Axiom-4 mission also sets the tone for ISRO's own Gaganyaan Mission, a project to send a 3-day manned mission to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km with a crew of three members and bring them safely back to Earth. Shukla's Axiom-4 mission is set to offer a ray of hope for diabetics to travel to space, as a UAE-based healthcare provider is conducting an experiment on how glucose behaves in microgravity conditions. As part of the 'Suite Ride" experiment planned by Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, some astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission will be wearing continuous glucose monitors during their 14-day stay on board the orbital lab. The studies of the behaviour of glucose and insulin in microgravity conditions will help scientists develop wearable technologies for astronauts and patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility due to illnesses such as paralysis. 'We are trying just to see if there is any change or fluctuation to the blood-sugar levels while they are in space," Mohammad Fityan, chief medical officer at Burjeel Holdings, Abu Dhabi, told PTI. The astronauts will also carry insulin pens in refrigerated and ambient temperatures to examine how the molecules respond to microgravity conditions. Currently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) does not allow insulin-dependent diabetics to travel to space. There are no official exclusions for non-insulin-dependent diabetics, but so far, no astronaut with diabetes has travelled to space. With PTI, ANI Inputs Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : deep space ISRO nasa Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 25, 2025, 12:01 IST News explainers Diabetes To Methi & Moong Dal: Axiom 4 Will Help ISRO Study These Things | Explained
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Axiom-4 astronauts to study insulin behaviour in microgravity, revolutionise diabetes treatment
New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is set to offer a ray of hope for diabetics to travel to space, as a UAE-based healthcare provider is conducting an experiment on how glucose behaves in microgravity part of the "Suite Ride" experiment planned by Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, some astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission will be wearing continuous glucose monitors during their 14-day stay on board the orbital lab. The studies of the behaviour of glucose and insulin in microgravity conditions will help scientists develop wearable technologies for astronauts and patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility due to illnesses such as paralysis. "We are trying just to see if there is any change or fluctuation to the blood-sugar levels while they are in space," Mohammad Fityan, chief medical officer at Burjeel Holdings, Abu Dhabi, told PTI. The astronauts will also carry insulin pens in refrigerated and ambient temperatures to examine how the molecules respond to microgravity conditions. "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 said. Currently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) does not allow insulin-dependent diabetics to travel to space. There are no official exclusions for non-insulin-dependent diabetics, but so far, no astronaut with diabetes has travelled to space. "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. He said the study will pave the way for several innovative technologies and treatment approaches for developing advanced glucose-monitoring tools optimised for extreme or low-activity environments, improving wearable tech for both astronauts and patients with limited mobility on Earth. It will also help identify new pharmacologic targets by observing how metabolic and hormonal responses change in microgravity, leading to drugs that enhance insulin sensitivity or mimic the benefits of exercise in sedentary individuals. The AI-powered predictive models based on real-time physiologic data in space can be adapted to personalise diabetes care on Earth by forecasting insulin needs or metabolic shifts with higher accuracy. The research will also help develop remote monitoring platforms for continuous metabolic-data capture that could revolutionise diabetes care in underserved or remote areas on Earth as well as in tele-health settings.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Glucose in space: Ax-4 crew to play key role in diabetes study
TITUSVILLE (FLORIDA): Each astronaut aboard the Axiom- mission (Ax-4), including India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is contributing to a first-of-its-kind medical study - an experiment called Suite Ride - that could redefine who gets to go to space. While TOI broke this story in March, more details have now emerged from an exclusive interview with Mohammad Fityan, Clinical Lead for the Suite Ride experiment and Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City. He said the crew is central to validating new technologies that could one day allow even insulin-dependent diabetics to safely fly. "At present, astronauts with diabetes-particularly those requiring insulin-are excluded from spaceflight. This study is laying the groundwork to change that," said Dr Fityan. The Suite Ride experiment, developed in collaboration between Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, is focused on monitoring how glucose behaves in microgravity and whether insulin remains stable during space missions. None of the four astronauts aboard Ax-4 has diabetes, but each has undergone pre-flight tests to establish individual glucose baselines on Earth. "They act as healthy controls. This allows us to compare data from space against ground-based measures, which is crucial to validate the reliability of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in orbit," Dr Fityan said. At least one astronaut will wear a CGM ( continuous glucose monitoring ) device throughout the mission, with real-time metabolic data transmitted back to the research team. In addition, insulin pens-though not used by the crew-have been flown to test how the compound behaves when exposed to space conditions. Samples stored at ambient and refrigerated temperatures will be analysed after the flight to check for degradation. "Microgravity gives us a chance to observe metabolic functions without the confounding factors of gravity, posture and muscle use," Dr Fityan said. This makes it easier to isolate how hormones and cells regulate glucose and could reveal early signs of insulin resistance that are harder to detect on Earth. The results, according to him, may eventually influence medical protocols for long-duration missions. "If this technology proves accurate and stable, the exclusion of insulin-treated diabetics could be reconsidered. This would be a step forward in making spaceflight more inclusive." Suite Ride also has terrestrial benefits. It could lead to smarter glucose monitoring tools and more effective insulin therapies for people on Earth-particularly those in remote or resource-limited settings. Technologies being tested include blood glucose monitors, i-STAT (blood analyser) devices, lancets, and remote data capture platforms.
