Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is offering hope for diabetics to travel to space, with a UAE-based healthcare provider conducting an experiment on glucose behavior in microgravity conditions.

As part of the 'Suite Ride' experiment by Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, some astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission will wear continuous glucose monitors during their 14-day stay on the orbital lab.

The study of glucose and insulin behavior in microgravity will aid in developing wearable technologies for astronauts and patients with limited mobility due to illnesses like paralysis.

Mohammad Fityan, chief medical officer at Burjeel Holdings, Abu Dhabi, stated, 'We are trying to observe any changes or fluctuations in blood sugar levels while in space.'

The astronauts will also test insulin pens in different temperatures to see how the molecules react to microgravity conditions.

Fityan mentioned, 'We hope that by understanding the metabolism and effects, we can benefit our patients on Earth.'

Currently, NASA does not permit insulin-dependent diabetics to travel to space. While non-insulin-dependent diabetics are not officially excluded, no diabetic astronaut has traveled to space thus far.

Fityan believes this study could revolutionize space travel for astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes, historically considered a disqualifying condition for space missions.

The research will lead to innovative technologies and treatment methods, including advanced glucose-monitoring tools for extreme environments and improved wearable tech for astronauts and immobilized patients on Earth.

It will also help identify new pharmacologic targets by observing metabolic and hormonal responses in microgravity, potentially leading to drugs that enhance insulin sensitivity or simulate exercise benefits in sedentary individuals.

AI-powered predictive models based on real-time physiological data in space can personalize diabetes care on Earth by forecasting insulin requirements or metabolic changes more accurately.

The study will also aid in developing remote monitoring platforms for continuous metabolic data collection, potentially transforming diabetes care in underserved areas on Earth and in telehealth settings.