These new innovations helping diabetic patients were developed by Filipino medical professionals

A report on PinoyMD said over 3 million Filipinos are considered diabetic, a disease with several complications that can even cause death.

Given this number, medical professionals have introduced innovations to help diabetic patients.

Denver Chicano is a former nurse at the Philippine General Hospital, who now owns a wound clinic. Together with his wife Dr. Acel, they invented the "Coco Patch" to help diabetic patients with their wounds.

The local product is a natural wound dressing made from coco cellulose fiber, providing moisture, which is important when nursing a wound.

According to the PinoyMD report, normal wound dressings sometimes stick to the infected area causing more pain. The moisture coming Coco Patch helps stop infections.

Depending on size, Coco Patch starts at P195 and goes all the way to P300.

It underwent evaluation from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), whose Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena said, "ang mga sugat may discharge at pwede na siyang 'yun na lang ang gamit pang-primary dressing at hindi dumidikit kapag tinanggal mo at siyempre nakakagaling siya."

Additionally Sec. Fortunato said it should also be, "active at nakaka-absorb, hydrating para matuyo, as it should be safe and easy to use."

Endocrinologist Dr. Elaine Cunanan said when a person has high levels of glucose, it will cause viscous blood resulting in slow blood circulation in the feet.

Dr. Elaine said blood circulation is an important aspect for healing wounds.

Additionally, she said when a person's blood sugar is high in level their immune system which fights against infections will also be affected.

"Sa mga taong hindi kontrolado ‘yung blood sugar possible po yung sugat ay magkaroon ng infection at mag-nana," she said.

Meanwhile, Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist Dr. Consuelo Suarez and Electrical Engineer Dr. Angelo dela Cruz invented specialized insoles to monitor the pressure of their foot steps.

"Usually kasi yung may mga diabetes hindi nila nararamdaman yung paa yung pakiramdam kung tumatapak sila ng mabigat o hindi," Dr. Consuelo said.

"So pag tumatapak silang mabigat nangyayari yung daloy ng dugo papunta sa paa which is already mas konti kasi paa na yun mas kaunti pa," she added.

Dr. Consuelo, the lack of blood circulation in the feet can cause ischemia or blood loss which she said is a ground for a person to have an infection.

Just like the Coco Patch, the specialized insoles also underwent DOST evaulation.

Sec. Fortunato said the insoles are a "self- monitoring device that can constantly analyze dynamic foot pressure parameters."

Dr. Angelo said the insoles can be synced into a mobile app to monitor the pressure of the person's steps.

The device has a measure sensor that detects the pressure and if here is an "asymmetric weight distribution."

PinoyMD warned to be careful with using new medical products since its effects vary per person. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News