Experiments in Axiom mission to ISS to study if diabetics can stay in space

Can insulin-dependent diabetics stay in space? This will be one of the areas of research by astronauts who will fly to the International Space Station (ISS), probably this May, as part of the Axiom 4 mission. Indian Air Force pilot, Shubhanshu Shukla, will be among the four astronauts part of the space-flight – the first time an Indian will fly to the ISS.

The larger thrust of the experiment is to demonstrate that astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes can be supported for short duration stays in microgravity. This can be done by demonstrating accurate blood glucose testing, data transmission, and insulin viability on the ISS. This research will also help enable people with diabetes to participate in future space missions, thus expanding the eligibility of crew and expanding access to space to more people. The project is being undertaken in partnership with Burjeel Holdings PLC, a United Arab Emirates-based healthcare services provider, said a statement from Axiom. The company organises commercial flights to the ISS and is also in the process of building the first private space station. The lead investigators on the study are John Marshall and Alex Rubin, affiliated to Axiom.

Beyond the “micro-gravity” environment in a space station, the insights gained could potentially improve healthcare delivery on earth, particularly in remote and extreme environments. The technology used in orbit could enable remote monitoring and treatment of oil rig workers with chronic conditions at sea, adventurers with chronic conditions in extreme environments, and even patients receiving care at home, Burjeel said in a statement.

Astronauts on the ISS spend a substantial amount of time conducting a slew of experiments and gathering data on how ordinary biological process are altered by micro-gravity. “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 behaviour, 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 ageing,” it added.

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.”