HAVANA, Cuba (CMC) -- A Cuban doctor who created a drug used to fight diabetic foot ulcers, has been lauded by his colleagues from across the globe.

Doctors at a recent Diabetic Foot Global Conference in the United States praised Dr Jorge Berlanga, who created the drug -- Heberprot-P -- for the success of the product as well as the work of Cuban health professionals.

According to Berlanga, doctors, particularly those in the United States are interested in the drug, noting that 70 thousand to 80 thousand people undergo amputations in the US due to diabetes.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 per cent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot.

Approximately 14 to 24 per cent of patients with diabetes who develop foot ulcers will require an amputation.