Electric blankets are dangerous for patients with diabetes because of the direct heat that is being applied to the body. For a person with neuropathy, they often are in danger of not realizing that the heat is too high or that their skin is being injured. A burn can quickly develop into something much worse.
1 ) Don't use heating pads.
Heating pads, electric blankets, hot water bottles, or even extremely hot baths can all be relaxing and soothing, but for someone with diabetes, they can be dangerous.
Medical experts recommend that people with nerve damage and poor blood circulation should not use an electrical blanket because their conditions affect their ability to detect if and when the blanket has become dangerously hot and, thus, their risk of being burned is heightened.
In most cases, when used appropriately and to manufacturer guidelines, electric blankets do not pose any significant health or safety risks.
Do not fold up your electric blanket when it's turned on. Make sure not to use it on a waterbed or a hospital one. If possible, try to never fold your electric blanket. If you have to wash your electric blanket, check the manual first to ensure you do it the right way.
Sunbeam Heated Blankets Recalled Due to Burn and Fire Hazards; Distributed by Star Elite. Hazard: The recalled heated blankets can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
Along with a warm shower, snuggling with an electric blanket can provide joint pain relief. Find one with a timer to turn down heat as you sleep and to turn back up as you are waking up.
Electric blankets are dangerous for patients with diabetes because of the direct heat that is being applied to the body. For a person with neuropathy, they often are in danger of not realizing that the heat is too high or that their skin is being injured. A burn can quickly develop into something much worse.
Refrain from sitting or lying on the electric blanket. Avoid using a heating pad and electric blanket at the same time. Never use it on an adjustable bed or waterbed, recliner or pull-out sofa. If it doesn't have a timer, make sure you unplug it before you fall asleep.
Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
Unfortunately, it is generally unsafe for diabetics to use heating pads or heating blankets to help with cold feet.
Certain diabetes complications, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves, can affect your sweat glands so your body can't cool as effectively. That can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. People with diabetes get dehydrated (lose too much water from their bodies) more quickly.
People with diabetes often have dry feet or nerve damage that results from diabetic neuropathy. When wounds such as blisters develop, they can take a long time to heal, and they can get worse quickly. Prolonged soaking can also open small cracks that may be present in the skin, allowing germs to enter.
Fried Chicken Restaurants
In general, poultry is a smart choice while following a diabetes-friendly diet—except when it's breaded or dipped in flour and fried. This version adds not just carbs but saturated fat and calories as well to menu items at restaurants like KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) and Popeyes.
Because they're at higher risk to develop wound infections on the feet, people with diabetes need to be especially careful when it comes to keeping feet dry. A moist foot is a breeding ground for bacteria to grow in a wound and cause infection.
Find cozy relief with an electric blanket. Essentially an elongated hot water bottle, a heated blanket wrapping you up into an achy burrito can ease joint and muscle pain, with the heat increasing your blood flow and, hopefully, allowing your muscles to relax.
Take control with your heated blanket timer
Whether you want to fall asleep with the blanket on for a short while or keep it on all night, our heated blankets let you control the timing with auto-off 75 minute or 120hour settings. Our throws also have a 3 hour auto-off safety feature to give you confidence.
Don't lie on top of an electric blanket, or you risk damaging the wires. You can purchase a heated mattress pad to lie on, but you should still place that pad on top of the mattress protector and topper.
The fire service recommends that you replace your electric blanket after 10 years.
With modern electric blankets, the risk of fire is very small, especially if you use your blanket in accordance with the instructions. However, as with any electrical appliances - kettles, toasters, hair dryers, and more - electric blankets could be a fire risk if used incorrectly or poorly maintained.
Neuropathies and sweating
Sudomotor function describes the part of the nervous system that controls sweating. Diabetes can result in nerve damage so that for some people, the nerves that control sweat glands are always “switched on.” This can result in excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis.
Extreme heat with diabetes can be dangerous. High heat affects blood glucose levels. Recently, extreme heat has been reported in the United States and Europe. Heat and moderate to high activity can make you sweat profusely, and people with diabetes may become dehydrated, leading to a rise in glucose levels.
One of the most common questions about electric blankets is whether it's safe to leave them on overnight. While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use, it is not recommended to keep electric blankets on all night.