AskNadia: Can People with Diabetes Use Electric Blankets?
Dear Nadia,
I wanted to buy an electric blanket for the winter and was informed; I shouldn’t purchase one because of my diabetes.
Why can’t people with diabetes use electric blankets?
Beth,
NH
Dear Beth:
I am not sure how long you have had diabetes or if you suffer from any complications.
Neuropathy as a Diabetes Complication
People with diabetes who maintain high blood sugars for a prolonged period of time may experience nerve damage, affecting their ability to feel.
If you use an electric blanket and it is too hot, it can burn your skin without you being able to feel it. As a preventative and conservative measure, it’s best not to use electric bedding. Nonetheless, some might advise keeping the electric blanket at the lowest temperature as a safety measure. Check in with your healthcare professional who knows and understands your personal health chart.
If you have neuropathy as a complication of your diabetes, you might be interested in reading a column I wrote about depression and neuropathy. You can also view our Neuropathy Medication” chart.
AskNadia: Feeling Discouraged from Peripheral Neuropathy Pain and Depression
Wishing you the best of health!
Nadia
Disclaimer:
Nadia’s feedback on your question is in no way intended to initiate or replace your healthcare professional’s therapy or advice. Please check in with your medical team to discuss your diabetes management concerns.
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About Nadia:
AskNadia (ranked #1 by Google), named “Best Diabetes Blog for 2017 by Healthline and with 19 nominations, Nadia Al-Samarrie’s efforts have made her stand out as a pioneer and leading patient advocate in the diabetes community.
Nadia was not only born into a family with diabetes but also married into one. She was propelled at a young age into “caretaker mode,” and with her knowledge of the scarcity of resources, support, and understanding for people with diabetes, co-founded Diabetes Interview, now Diabetes Health magazine.
Nadia has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. Her publications, medical supply business, and website have been cited, recognized and published in the San Francisco Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal, Ann Landers advice column, former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca, Entrepreneur magazine, Houston News, Phili.com, Brand Week, Drug Topics, and many other media outlets.
As long as I keep my electric blanket in the low range, can I use my electric blanket on (I am a diabetic
patient).
I would ask your healthcare professional. Why? If you have neuropathy and cannot feel when the blanket is too hot, it may pose a bigger problem.