A Suite Ride: How this Ax-4 study could pave way for diabetic astronauts in space
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will launch to the International Space Station on May 29. He will riding aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that he will pilot alongside the Axiom-4 mission crew.Onboard the Dragon spacecraft, a suite of new experiments will be launched to be conducted in the vacuum of space. Among these experiments, a new study could forever change space travel.advertisementFor decades, people with diabetes were told they couldn't become astronauts. The risk of managing blood sugar in space was considered too high. But a new project called 'Suite Ride' could change that when Ax-4 astronauts test it in zero gravity.
WHAT IS 'SUITE RIDE'?'Suite Ride' is a research project on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). Its goal is to find safe ways for people with insulin-dependent diabetes to live and work in space.The project focusses on three main tasks:Accurate Blood Sugar Monitoring: Ensuring devices can reliably measure blood sugar levels in space.Data Collection in Orbit: Gathering real-time blood sugar data from astronauts aboard the ISS.Ground Analysis: Sending the data back to Earth so doctors can study it and ensure safety.By completing these steps, 'Suite Ride' aims to prove that managing diabetes in space is possible, opening the door for diabetic candidates who aspire to become future astronauts.INDIA'S ROLE IN THE MISSIONadvertisementGroup Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is a key member of the Ax-4 crew. He will conduct life science experiments on the ISS. He could also likely be party of the 'Suite Ride' experiment.Shukla's participation highlights India's growing involvement in space exploration.However, Axiom has not disclosed which astronauts will exclusively test the new experiment when they dock with the Space Station. WHY IS THIS A BREAKTHROUGH?Historically, individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes have been excluded from space missions due to concerns over managing the condition in microgravity. However, recent studies have shown promising results:Insulin Pump Performance: Research conducted by Kyle Horn demonstrated that insulin pumps function effectively in microgravity, maintaining consistent fluid delivery without significant differences across various gravity conditions.Centrifuge Simulations: Tests involving Type 1 diabetic subjects with insulin pumps exposed to simulated spaceflight conditions showed no adverse clinical responses, suggesting that individuals with diabetes might tolerate the stresses of space travel.These findings challenge long-standing assumptions and indicate that with the right technology and protocols, managing diabetes in space is feasible.
The Ax-4 crew will launch on May 29. (Photo: Axiom Space)
THE BIGGER PICTUREThe implications of 'Suite Ride' extend beyond space exploration. Advancements in medical technologies for space missions can lead to improved healthcare solutions on Earth, especially in remote or resource-limited settings.For instance, lightweight, portable diagnostic devices developed for astronauts can be adapted for use in rural healthcare facilities.Studying glucose metabolism in space provides critical insights into insulin sensitivity, metabolic adaptation, and remote monitoring, advancing both astronaut health and diabetes care on Earth. "At Burjeel Holdings, we are committed to transforming these findings into innovative treatments for our patients,' said Dr Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City and Clinical Lead of the Suite Ride study.Moreover, this initiative sets a precedent for re-evaluating medical disqualifications in various high-stakes professions, promoting a more inclusive approach based on individual assessments rather than blanket exclusions.If 'Suite Ride' succeeds, it could lead to changes in astronaut selection criteria, allowing individuals with well-managed diabetes to join future missions.This progress not only benefits aspiring astronauts but also demonstrates how space research can lead to medical advancements that improve lives on Earth.
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United News of India
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Shukla said that he would be carrying sweets- carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar, for all the International crew members to taste. MORE UNI GV 0615
