UAE-led diabetes study to launch into space aboard Elon Musk's SpaceX Dragon on Ax-4 Mission
Abu Dhabi: In a historic collaboration that could redefine both space medicine and diabetes care, a UAE study led by Abu Dhabi-headquartered Burjeel Holdings is set to blast off to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launching on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in May.
The mission marks a groundbreaking attempt to explore how astronauts with diabetes might one day participate in long-duration space missions—a group historically excluded due to health risks associated with insulin-dependent diabetes.
'This research is truly exciting as it opens the door for astronauts with diabetes and other chronic conditions to participate in future human spaceflight missions, paving the way for many who were previously medically disqualified,' said veteran astronaut and Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson.
The study dubbed 'Suite Ride' aims to evaluate diabetes monitoring and management technologies under microgravity conditions aboard the ISS.
Joining Whitson on this international mission are Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland/ESA), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The crew will spend up to 14 days conducting advanced research and technology demonstrations in space, with Suite Ride emerging as one of the most medically consequential experiments of the mission.
Medical milestone in microgravity
The research will test blood glucose monitoring technologies, including glucometer readings and the calibration of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), as well as explore insulin stability in space. Data will be transmitted in real-time to medical teams on the ground, enabling comprehensive post-mission analysis.
'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 study.
Real-world benefits
The technology and protocols used in space could eventually enable remote monitoring and care for individuals in extreme Earth environments, from oil rigs to arctic expeditions, and even patients managing chronic conditions at home.
The stakes are high. According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes will affect approximately 783 million people by 2045, a 46% increase from current figures. In the MENA region alone, cases are projected to surge by 87%.
One of the important aspects of the experiment will be testing the performance of CGMs—now standard in diabetes care—within a space environment. The goal is to verify their accuracy in microgravity and confirm whether commercially available insulin pens remain effective in space, as demonstrated in a recent precursor test aboard Galactic 07.
Studying biological processes in microgravity offers unique opportunities to understand diseases in ways that are impossible to replicate on Earth. The absence of gravity alters cellular behavior, enabling deeper insights into conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. Previous research in space has already contributed to significant insights in protein crystallization and cellular aging, which are advancing the development of new treatments.
'The research we will conduct during Ax-4 is an important step in providing significant benefits for patients in the UAE and the wider MENA region. As we push the boundaries of space exploration, this research will empower Burjeel to expand on their remote healthcare practices and technologies,' Whitson emphasised.
UAE vision for scientific leadership
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, underscored the significance of this collaboration, stating, 'Burjeel Holdings is proud to collaborate on this groundbreaking study aboard Ax-4, which marks a milestone in medical research and diabetes management. The findings from this study have the potential to not only benefit future astronauts but also translate into meaningful advancements in patient care here on the ground. We wish the mission and its crew great success and look forward to the impact this research will have on shaping the future of healthcare.'
Commander Whitson also commended the UAE's role in enabling scientific progress.
'The UAE's commitment to advancing space science and healthcare provides a unique platform for young scientists and healthcare professionals to make significant contributions,' she said. 'To the aspiring astronauts and researchers in the UAE—your curiosity and dedication are the driving forces behind the future of exploration and innovation.'
From the stars to the streets
'Our collaboration with Axiom Space on diabetes management in microgravity highlights our commitment to enhancing remote healthcare capabilities. For us, space is a proving ground, as this diabetes research aims to provide invaluable data that will directly benefit underserved communities and difficult-to-reach areas across the globe, especially in MENA. By leveraging the advancements in monitoring and treatment technologies, we are poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring that individuals in remote locations receive the quality care they deserve,' added Dr Fityan.
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