As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla takes part in critical scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a key research project with deep Indian roots is drawing attention. The study, which explores how insulin functions in space and its relation to diabetes, is backed by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of Burjeel Holdings. The research, named Suite Ride, is part of the Axiom-4 mission and aims to break new ground in diabetes research beyond Earth.
Tackling Diabetes Challenges in Space
Dr. Shamsheer and his team are addressing the medical and logistical challenges that currently prevent diabetic individuals from participating in space travel. The Suite Ride project is designed to observe how glucose behaves in the blood of non-diabetic individuals under microgravity conditions. This foundational step could help scientists understand what changes might occur in diabetic individuals when exposed to space environments.
First Phase of Groundbreaking Research
The initiative marks the launch of Dr. Shamsheer’s long-envisioned project to study diabetes both on Earth and in space. Developed by Burjeel Holdings in partnership with Axiom Space, the research is also supported by agencies including NASA. It aims to eventually remove barriers that restrict space missions for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, while also advancing treatment options on Earth.
A Moment of Pride and Purpose
Following the successful launch from Kennedy Space Center, Dr. Shamsheer expressed pride in the project’s global impact. “This is a proud moment. The idea behind Suite Ride is that conditions like diabetes shouldn’t stop us from chasing our dreams. As science grows, so should our aspirations. The insights from this study could benefit not just future space travellers, but millions of patients on Earth as well,” he said.
Addressing a Growing Health Concern
According to the World Health Organization, India currently has around 77 million adults with type 2 diabetes, and nearly 25 million more are at high risk. This growing burden makes the findings from Suite Ride all the more relevant. The research could help shape future strategies for both space medicine and chronic disease management on Earth.
Blood Tests and Monitoring in Space
During the mission, astronauts will collect point-of-care blood samples to monitor glucose levels in space. Burjeel Holdings has supplied essential tools such as lancets, needles, and blood glucose analyzers (i-STAT) for the experiment.
A Step Toward Inclusion in Space Travel
Currently, diabetes poses significant obstacles to participation in space missions due to medical risks and technical limitations. Suite Ride seeks to provide a clear understanding of how glucose regulation is affected by microgravity in healthy individuals, paving the way to include diabetic astronauts in future missions.
A Global Crew on a Shared Mission
Alongside Shubhanshu Shukla, the Axiom-4 crew includes veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as mission commander, Slawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary as mission specialists. Together, they are contributing to a mission that blends science, health, and hope for broader human space exploration.
