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Vladimir Putin has rejected calls to allow foreign glucose-monitoring applications to operate during regional mobile internet shutdowns. The Insider previously reported on the fact that, when Russian authorities temporarily jam data services as part of their efforts to fend off Ukrainian drone attacks, apps that allow parents to monitor their diabetic children’s blood-sugar levels are also affected. However, appeals to add medical apps to the “whitelist” of services that remain functional during such shutdown have not been taken up.
Speaking at his annual marathon press conference, Putin addressed the issue after being prompted by a journalist from the frontline Belgorod Region. When asked about adding such apps to whitelists maintained by the Digital Development Ministry, Putin said security considerations made that difficult:
“Of course, we understand that the restrictions here are related to the need to ensure security. Minimizing the danger of drone attacks and strikes, and so on. Because these services, the components of these services, are located abroad, it is easier for the enemy, unfortunately — these are the realities of today — to select targets for strikes. But there are two ways to solve this problem. The first is to switch to domestic software and our own hardware, because many services continue to operate. And the second is to use the capabilities of foreign manufacturers who work here, but then we need to negotiate with them to transfer these services to the territory of the Russian Federation,” state-controlled RIA Novosti news agency quoted Putin as saying.
Continuous glucose monitoring sensors alert patients to changes in blood sugar levels, helping prevent hypoglycemia — a dangerous drop in glucose that can lead to coma or death.
Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes in Russia recently told The Insider that repeated internet shutdowns have made it impossible to remotely monitor their children’s glucose levels. The problem is not limited to Belgorod.
“Since around August, it’s been impossible to track my son’s glucose remotely, even when his phone shows mobile internet is on. As soon as one of us leaves the Wi-Fi zone, we lose remote [monitoring],” said the mother of a child with Type 1 diabetes from the Saratov Region.