New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) brings new hope for diabetics and advances in healthcare.
The mission includes a groundbreaking study by UAE-based Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with Axiom Space, investigating how glucose and insulin behave in microgravity conditions.
The study, part of the “Suite Ride” experiment, involves astronauts wearing continuous glucose monitors during their 14-day stay on the ISS.
Researchers aim to determine if blood sugar levels fluctuate differently in the unique environment of space.
“This experiment is essential to understanding the impact of microgravity on glucose metabolism, which could inform better treatment for astronauts and Earth-bound patients with limited mobility,” said Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Holdings.
The astronauts will also carry insulin pens stored at different temperatures to assess the stability and molecular changes in insulin under microgravity.
Such insights could reshape diabetes management on Earth and expand eligibility for future space missions.
Currently, NASA does not permit astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) to travel to space due to associated risks.
This research, however, could challenge such limitations by demonstrating safe and effective strategies for managing diabetes during space missions.
Beyond enabling space travel for diabetics, the findings could revolutionise wearable glucose-monitoring technologies, particularly for individuals with limited mobility due to paralysis or chronic illnesses.
These advancements may also improve care in low-activity environments, such as hospitals or remote areas.
The study has broader implications for drug development, including potential therapies to enhance insulin sensitivity or mimic exercise benefits in sedentary individuals.
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Additionally, AI-powered predictive models generated from real-time metabolic data in space could transform diabetes care by providing accurate forecasts for insulin needs on Earth.
Remote monitoring platforms derived from the experiment could facilitate continuous metabolic-data capture, making diabetes care more accessible in underserved regions.
These advancements also hold promise for improving telehealth services, allowing for real-time monitoring and personalised treatment.
“This study has the potential to not only transform diabetes management in space but also to significantly advance care for millions of patients on Earth,” Dr. Fityan added.
