'New models of remote care': Astronauts with diabetes may soon fly to space; here's how

Can astronauts living with diabetes safely undertake space missions? A new study suggests the answer is yes. According to a study conducted by the Suite Ride experiment during astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent journey to the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts living with diabetes may soon be able to take part in space missions without it posing a health risk.During the Axiom-4 mission, the Suite Ride experiment led by UAE-based Burjeel Holdings found that common diabetes management tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pens can work reliably in microgravity, reported news agency PTI. Researchers said the findings prove that end-to-end monitoring of diabetes is possible from space to ground and back, marking a breakthrough for both space exploration and remote healthcare. The results were announced at the Burjeel Institute for Global Health in New York, in the presence of Burjeel Holdings founder Shamsheer Vayalil and Tejpaul Bhatia, CEO of Axiom Space.The study showed that CGMs, the wearable devices that track blood sugar levels in real time delivered readings in space with accuracy comparable to Earth-based results. This allowed real-time monitoring of astronauts’ glucose levels and seamless transmission of data to ground teams. Insulin pens flown to the ISS are also undergoing post-flight tests to check the integrity of the formulation.“This historic advancement opens the door to astronauts with diabetes and provides new solutions in remote healthcare,” Burjeel Holdings said in a statement. Vayalil added: “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.”Dr Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City and Clinical Lead of the Ax-4 Space Health Research, said the findings will transform diabetes care on Earth as well. “From 250 miles above Earth to 25 miles offshore on oil rigs, we are advancing new models of remote care,” he said. Gavin D’Elia, Global Head of Pharma at Axiom Space, said: “This isn’t just about space exploration. It’s about inspiring people that their dreams of pursuing space don’t end at diagnosis. Together, we’re advancing the potential to fly the first astronaut with diabetes.” (As reported by news agency PTI) According to Burjeel, the Suite Ride study delivered several historic firsts like the first continuous glucose monitoring of astronauts aboard the ISS, the first insulin pens flown to the space station, and the he first validation of glucose monitoring using multiple methods in microgravity. Shukla and three other astronauts spent 18 days aboard the ISS from June 25 to July 15, conducting more than 60 experiments in micro gravity conditions. The Suite Ride project focused on diabetes management in space as part of the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). India faces a massive diabetes challenge, with an estimated 77 million adults suffering from Type 2 diabetes and another 25 million at risk, according to WHO data. Last year, during the Galactic-07 mission, another experiment confirmed that insulin pens can dispense accurate doses in microgravity under International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines.