Thiruvananthapuram: Alongside Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey, a groundbreaking research project led by a Malayali will mark a historic milestone in diabetes research. The 'Sweet Ride' research project, conceived by Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, who is the founder-chairman of UAE-based Burjeel Holdings, is part of the Axiom 4 Mission.

The research based on microgravity- a state where humans or objects do not feel their weight- opens up the possibility of overcoming the limitations of diabetes in both space and earth.

During the two-week mission, a team of medical experts will study glucose metabolism in microgravity. One or more passengers will wear a continuous glucose monitor to monitor glucose levels. The data will be analysed in real-time by experts from Axiom and Burjeel. The medical team includes Dr. Mohammed Fityan, a specialist in metabolic disease diagnostics, along with other experts.

The research could pave the way for lifting current restrictions on diabetics during space missions and could help bring about a major change in the treatment of diseases, including diabetes.