Ax-4 Mission aims to transform diabetes management in space and on Earth

As part of the landmark Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), astronauts aboard the International Space Station are conducting a pioneering experiment that could redefine diabetes care in space. The study, called Suite Ride, is focused on testing the accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in microgravity—a crucial step toward making spaceflight accessible to astronauts with diabetes, particularly those who require insulin.

Also Read: Swan takes flight: Joy becomes symbol of space and culture on Axiom-4 Mission

Currently, diabetic individuals, especially insulin-dependent ones, are excluded from human space missions due to the challenges of managing blood sugar in space. The Suite Ride experiment, developed through a collaboration between Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, seeks to change that. During the mission, astronauts including India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will collect blood samples to compare with CGM data, assessing the device's reliability in orbit.

Beyond its implications for space travel, the research may also benefit diabetes management on Earth. Microgravity-induced fluid shifts in astronauts mimic physiological conditions seen in long-term bedridden patients. Insights from the Ax-4 mission could lead to better glucose control strategies for such patients, improving quality of care and outcomes.

This groundbreaking work marks a critical step in extending both the reach of human spaceflight and the boundaries of medical research, demonstrating how innovations in orbit can improve lives on Earth.