emirates7 - A pioneering space mission is set to investigate whether astronauts with diabetes can safely take part in future human spaceflight endeavors.
The upcoming Ax-4 mission, scheduled for launch in May, will see an international team of four astronauts travel to the International Space Station (ISS) for a stay of up to 14 days. During their time aboard, the crew will engage in microgravity research, test new technologies, and participate in a variety of scientific experiments.
One of the mission’s most groundbreaking studies is SUITE RIDE, a collaborative research initiative with UAE-based Burjeel Holdings, aimed at redefining space travel for individuals with chronic health conditions.
The Ax-4 crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, ESA Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Whitson, a seasoned astronaut, highlighted the importance of the study, saying, “This research is incredibly promising—it could open the door for people with diabetes and other long-term medical conditions to join space missions, overcoming previous health-related barriers.”
The SUITE RIDE study will evaluate several medical procedures aboard the ISS to advance how diabetes is monitored and managed in space. It will focus on validating the accuracy of blood glucose readings, ensuring proper data transfer to Earth-based teams, and testing insulin storage and effectiveness in zero gravity. The crew will use glucometers, calibrate continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and share their readings in real time with medical professionals on the ground.
Burjeel Holdings will supply advanced medical equipment for the mission and lead the post-flight evaluation, leveraging its network of hospitals and clinics.
“Exploring glucose metabolism in a space environment can reveal vital information about insulin response, metabolic shifts, and remote patient monitoring—progressing both astronaut safety and diabetes treatment here on Earth,” explained Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City. “We are committed to translating these findings into innovative therapies for our patients.”
The broader impact of this research goes well beyond the space station. The technology and insights gained could enhance healthcare delivery in isolated or extreme settings, such as offshore oil platforms, high-altitude expeditions, or home-based care for chronically ill patients.
Microgravity offers a unique perspective into human biology, revealing mechanisms of disease that are difficult to study under Earth’s gravitational influence. Past space experiments have significantly advanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer, particularly through research into protein crystallization and cellular aging—paving the way for new medical breakthroughs.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, emphasized the importance of the project, noting, “We are honored to be part of this transformative research aboard Ax-4. This collaboration represents a major leap forward in both space medicine and diabetes care. The results could have a lasting impact, improving not just astronaut health but also medical outcomes for patients around the world.”
Commander Whitson also praised the UAE’s dedication to scientific progress, adding, “To the UAE’s young scientists, healthcare workers, and aspiring astronauts—your curiosity and commitment are vital to the future of both space exploration and medical innovation.”
The upcoming Ax-4 mission, scheduled for launch in May, will see an international team of four astronauts travel to the International Space Station (ISS) for a stay of up to 14 days. During their time aboard, the crew will engage in microgravity research, test new technologies, and participate in a variety of scientific experiments.
One of the mission’s most groundbreaking studies is SUITE RIDE, a collaborative research initiative with UAE-based Burjeel Holdings, aimed at redefining space travel for individuals with chronic health conditions.
The Ax-4 crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, ESA Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Whitson, a seasoned astronaut, highlighted the importance of the study, saying, “This research is incredibly promising—it could open the door for people with diabetes and other long-term medical conditions to join space missions, overcoming previous health-related barriers.”
The SUITE RIDE study will evaluate several medical procedures aboard the ISS to advance how diabetes is monitored and managed in space. It will focus on validating the accuracy of blood glucose readings, ensuring proper data transfer to Earth-based teams, and testing insulin storage and effectiveness in zero gravity. The crew will use glucometers, calibrate continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and share their readings in real time with medical professionals on the ground.
Burjeel Holdings will supply advanced medical equipment for the mission and lead the post-flight evaluation, leveraging its network of hospitals and clinics.
“Exploring glucose metabolism in a space environment can reveal vital information about insulin response, metabolic shifts, and remote patient monitoring—progressing both astronaut safety and diabetes treatment here on Earth,” explained Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City. “We are committed to translating these findings into innovative therapies for our patients.”
The broader impact of this research goes well beyond the space station. The technology and insights gained could enhance healthcare delivery in isolated or extreme settings, such as offshore oil platforms, high-altitude expeditions, or home-based care for chronically ill patients.
Microgravity offers a unique perspective into human biology, revealing mechanisms of disease that are difficult to study under Earth’s gravitational influence. Past space experiments have significantly advanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer, particularly through research into protein crystallization and cellular aging—paving the way for new medical breakthroughs.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, emphasized the importance of the project, noting, “We are honored to be part of this transformative research aboard Ax-4. This collaboration represents a major leap forward in both space medicine and diabetes care. The results could have a lasting impact, improving not just astronaut health but also medical outcomes for patients around the world.”
Commander Whitson also praised the UAE’s dedication to scientific progress, adding, “To the UAE’s young scientists, healthcare workers, and aspiring astronauts—your curiosity and commitment are vital to the future of both space exploration and medical innovation.”