A new study carried out during the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, which included Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has found that astronauts with diabetes can safely take part in space missions.

On Friday, Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings released the first results of their joint research project, called Suite Ride.

“The research concluded that everyday diabetes tools used by millions on Earth can be used comprehensively to provide end-to-end diabetes monitoring from space to the ground and back to space, a breakthrough in opening the door to future astronauts with diabetes and providing new solutions in remote healthcare,” Axiom Space said.

The experiment, carried out on the International Space Station (ISS), tested whether regular diabetes care devices would function in the extreme conditions of space.

According to Axiom Space, “Sending up a suite of remote care capabilities, the Suite Ride initiative explored how to manage diabetes in space, marking a meaningful step towards making spaceflight accessible for those with historically disqualifying conditions.”

The study found that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pens worked effectively in orbit. “Early results suggest that CGM devices can perform with accuracy comparable to Earth-based readings, enabling real-time glucose monitoring of astronauts in microgravity and can communicate readings to the ground. Insulin pens flown on the space station are now undergoing post-flight testing to evaluate the integrity of the formulation,” the company added.

Gavin D’Elia, global head of pharma at Axiom Space, said the project is about breaking barriers. “This is about inspiring people everywhere. A diagnosis shouldn’t end your dream of space exploration. Together, we’re advancing the potential to fly the first astronaut with diabetes and to unlock innovation in healthcare,” he said.

Building on the success of this research, UAE-based Burjeel Holdings has announced its goal of working towards sending the first astronaut with diabetes into space.

About the Ax-4 mission

The Ax-4 mission launched on June 25, 2025. Over 20 days, the crew, which included Group Captain Shukla and three other astronauts, completed 320 orbits of Earth, covering 8.4 million miles of space travel.

During the mission, they also carried out over 60 scientific experiments and participated in 23 outreach events, Axiom Space confirmed.