Astronauts with diabetes can undertake space missions, says study conducted during Axiom-4 mission

In a study conducted during the recent Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, of which Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was a part, it has been revealed that astronauts with diabetes can undertake space missions.

On Friday, Axiom Space, along with Burjeel Holdings, released the preliminary results of the ‘Suite Ride’ research conducted during the Ax-4 mission.

Diabetes monitoring

“The research concluded that everyday diabetes tools used by millions on Earth can be used comprehensively to provide end-to-end diabetes monitoring from space to the ground and back to space — a breakthrough in opening the door to future astronauts with diabetes and providing new solutions in remote healthcare,” Axiom Space said.

Burjeel Holdings is a healthcare services provider in the UAE, and building on these findings, it also announced its ambition of working towards sending the first astronaut with diabetes to space.

Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings had joined hands to conduct the research during the Ax-4 mission at the International Space Station (ISS).

“Sending up a suite of remote care capabilities, the Suite Ride initiative explored how to manage diabetes in space, marking a meaningful step towards making spaceflight accessible for those with historically disqualifying conditions,” Axiom Space said.

It further said the research results found that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pens can operate reliably in the extreme conditions of space.

“Early results suggest that CGM devices can perform with accuracy comparable to Earth-based readings, enabling real-time glucose monitoring of astronauts in microgravity and can communicate readings to the ground. Insulin pens flown on the space station are now undergoing post-flight testing to evaluate the integrity of the formulation,” it said.

Inspiring people

“This is about inspiring people everywhere. A diagnosis shouldn’t end your dream of space exploration. Together, we’re advancing the potential to fly the first astronaut with diabetes and to unlock innovation in healthcare,” said Gavin D’Elia, global head of pharma at Axiom Space.

The Ax-4 mission was launched on June 25, and during the 20-day mission, the crew comprising Group Captain Shukla and three others completed 320 orbits around the Earth, covering 8.4 million miles of spaceflight, Axiom Space said. They also performed over 60 research activities and 23 outreach events.