- KR Bharat
- 2025-10-14
A groundbreaking study conducted during the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has demonstrated that astronauts with diabetes can safely participate in space missions. The "Suite Ride" experiment, led by Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with Axiom Space, utilized everyday diabetes management tools such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pens to monitor and manage blood sugar levels in microgravity. Preliminary findings indicate that these devices functioned accurately in space, providing real-time data that was transmitted to Earth, allowing for effective remote care.
This research marks a significant advancement in space medicine, challenging previous assumptions that diabetes disqualified individuals from space travel. The successful use of standard diabetes management tools in space not only opens the door for astronauts with diabetes to participate in future missions but also has the potential to transform healthcare delivery on Earth. The ability to manage chronic conditions remotely and effectively in space could lead to improved models of care for individuals in remote or underserved areas on Earth.
