Latest news with #SuiteRide
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Space-Based Research May Pave the Way for First Astronaut with Diabetes
ISS National Lab-sponsored study launching on Axiom Mission 4 to advance diabetes management in space KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An investigation launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) aims to advance diabetes management in microgravity and open access to space for more people. Researchers will demonstrate the accuracy of glucose monitoring and the viability of insulin on the ISS, with the long-term goal of supporting astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes on future space missions. The ISS National Lab-sponsored project, Suite Ride, is a partnership between Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings PLC, a healthcare services provider based in the United Arab Emirates. According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in nine adults worldwide—which amounts to nearly 590 million people—are living with diabetes. That number is expected to rise to more than 780 million people by 2045. "Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes historically have been disqualified from flying to low Earth orbit," said Alex Rubin, medical operations group lead at Axiom Space. "A main objective of the study is to demonstrate that a condition such as this can be accurately monitored and treated in microgravity, with the intent of eventually flying a crew member with the condition." The team is sending several commercially available glucose monitors to the ISS to ensure they maintain a comparable level of accuracy in microgravity. One of the monitors samples interstitial fluid (the fluid filling the spaces between cells in the body) to measure glucose levels. Microgravity causes shifts in body fluids that could affect the accuracy of these devices. "We intend to demonstrate that the monitors can be relied upon, or if there is a difference due to microgravity, that it is something we can calibrate to and resolve," Rubin said. The study will also look at whether microgravity affects the integrity of insulin. Previous research showed that insulin pens can accurately administer doses during spaceflight. For this project, several different types of insulin will be sent to the ISS, with some stored at ambient or room temperature and some in cold stowage. The team will test the samples after they return to determine if microgravity had any effect. Results from this investigation could make it possible to support people with diabetes on future space missions, expanding the pool of those eligible to serve as crew members. Findings could also lead to improvements in diabetes monitoring and care in remote areas on Earth. "If we demonstrate that we can share data between a subject's glucose monitor in orbit and a physician on the ground in near real time, that could be implemented in a telemedicine setting with a clinician serving remote or austere locations on Earth," Rubin said. "If it can work in space, it could work on an oil rig, for example." We have come a long way in monitoring and treating diabetes, Rubin said. "There was a time where there was the perception that people with the disease couldn't do certain things. Today, you can play in the NFL, you can race cars, you can do all sorts of things that may have been difficult before. It only makes sense that the next barrier we break is human spaceflight." Ax-4 is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 10, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. EDT, from Florida. For additional information on ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations launching on Ax-4, visit our launch page. Download a high-resolution image for this release: Axiom Mission 4 Crew About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page. Media Contact: Patrick O'Neill904-806-0035 PONeill@ International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
India Today
03-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
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 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 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 project focusses on three main tasks:Accurate Blood Sugar Monitoring: Ensuring devices can reliably measure blood sugar levels in Collection in Orbit: Gathering real-time blood sugar data from astronauts aboard the Analysis: Sending the data back to Earth so doctors can study it and ensure 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 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' participation highlights India's growing involvement in space 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 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 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 instance, lightweight, portable diagnostic devices developed for astronauts can be adapted for use in rural healthcare 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 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 'Suite Ride' succeeds, it could lead to changes in astronaut selection criteria, allowing individuals with well-managed diabetes to join future progress not only benefits aspiring astronauts but also demonstrates how space research can lead to medical advancements that improve lives on Earth. advertisement
NDTV
03-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Indian Astronaut's Mission Could Revolutionise Space Travel For Diabetics
WHO figures suggest there are an estimated 77 million people above the age of suffering from diabetes (type 2) in India. Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, who will fly to the International Space Station on May 29, will be conducting a key experiment on diabetes during his flight. The Axiom-4 space mission of four crew members will conduct research which may pave the way for diabetics to be included in the global astronaut corps. The study will be undertaken in micro-gravity conditions of the International Space Station during the fortnight-long mission. The experiment is called the "Suite Ride" initiative, and the effort marks a significant milestone in the long-term goal of supporting future astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), a condition historically deemed disqualifying for spaceflight. The experiment is part of Axiom Space's multi-tiered approach, which aims to eventually demonstrate that astronauts with IDDM can be safely monitored, treated, and participate in off-planet missions. One person who will be keenly watching this experiment is India's Science Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, a well-known diabetologist. The principal investigator for the study, Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Holdings, Abu Dhabi, confirmed that no astronaut will be injected with insulin, but the crew will wear glucose monitoring equipment on the space flight to see how blood glucose levels fluctuate in the 'stressful environment of space'. They will be validating blood glucose monitoring, data transmission, as well as insulin viability aboard the International Space Station, he added. According to a 2024 World Health Organisation estimate, 14% of adults aged 18 years and older were living with diabetes, an increase from 7% in 1990, and about 830 million people worldwide have diabetes. India is considered the diabetes capital of the world. WHO figures suggest there are an estimated 77 million people above the age of suffering from diabetes (type 2) in India, and nearly 25 million are pre-diabetics, i.e, those at a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future. Burjeel Holdings PLC, a leading super-speciality healthcare provider in the Middle East and the North African region with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which is spearheading the project, said, They will do groundbreaking mission-focused work on diabetes management in microgravity, along with Axiom Space. A pivotal moment in this research was the successful technical demonstration conducted on the Galactic 07 mission of 2024, which confirmed that commercially available insulin pens can deliver medication effectively in microgravity, adhering to International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines. The promising results have laid the foundation for the upcoming mission that will take place in space. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission will utilise Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), which have become the standard for glucose monitoring in individuals with diabetes. These devices will be tested to ensure their accuracy in microgravity, providing real-time data that will ultimately support the health of astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes. The comprehensive preflight, inflight, and post-flight protocols will employ various testing methods to validate these technologies. The Ax-4 mission also plans to look at insulin exposure in microgravity to assess the potency and stability of the drug product upon its return to Earth. Testing the behaviour of CGMs and insulin delivery technologies in microgravity and with circadian rhythm disruption is expected to advance the understanding of how such innovations can improve diabetes monitoring and care in remote or underserved areas on Earth. Experts say this research will lay the groundwork for managing diabetes in isolated locations, such as oil rigs, deserts, or rural regions. Dr Fityan said, "Space is a proving ground, as this research aims to provide invaluable data that will directly benefit underserved communities and difficult-to-reach areas across the globe." Dr Lucie Low, Chief Scientist, Axiom Space, said, "This may pave the way for the eventual flight of an astronaut with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus IDDM. The successful demonstration of glucose monitoring on subjects without diabetes will next open the door to flying astronauts with non-insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, looking to prove that people with diabetes can one day thrive in the unique environment of space." Dr. Low added that "I am personally very excited about our 'Suite Ride' experiment because for Axiom, it means that we are enabling new opportunities for a more diverse crew to fly a future, as well as translating those results back into, hopefully, impacts for diabetic patients here on Earth." Sign up to read this article FREE! Exclusive Stories: Dive into content reserved just for members. Fewer Ads: A cleaner, more enjoyable reading experience. Enhanced Interface: Tailored just for you. Join Now – It's Free!
India Today
25-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Axiom-4 astronauts to test diabetes glucose monitor aboard Space Station
To enhance monitoring of glucose level, and diabetes in space, Axiom-4 astronauts will test Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) during their mission aboard the International Space astronauts will launch on ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft piloted by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in May 2025. The new CGMs have become the standard for glucose monitoring in individuals with diabetes on Earth and Burjeel Holdings, which develops the instrument now wants to test its efficiency in space so that they can be used on long-duration space The Suite Ride initiative involves flying and operating a suite of medical capabilities to further advancements in diabetes monitoring and treatment. Axiom Space's multi-tiered approach aims to eventually demonstrate that astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) can be safely monitored, treated, and participate in off-planet Space has partnered with @BurjeelHoldings to test a suite of tools and technologies needed to support astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes, enabling them to live and work in space. Learn more about the Suite Ride research that will be conducted during #Ax4: Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) April 24, 2025Axiom Space said that comprehensive preflight, inflight, and post-flight protocols will employ various testing methods to validate these technologies. The Ax-4 mission also plans to look at insulin exposure in microgravity to assess the potency and stability of the drug product upon its return to technologies and advances that could result from this project could also improve our ability to provide remote care for patients with diabetes and other health conditions on Earth," Dr. Mike Harrison, chief medical officer at Axiom Space test is aimed at creating pathway for astronauts with IDDM to fly to space."The successful demonstration of glucose monitoring on subjects without diabetes will next open the door to flying astronauts with non-insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, looking to prove that people with diabetes can one day thrive in the unique environment of space," Axiom Space said in a In
Gulf News
24-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
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.
