Yes, you can use an electric blanket if you have diabetes, but it’s advisable that you only use it to pre-heat your bed. Use a model with a built-in timer and program it to switch off just before you climb into bed. For more detailed information, keep reading. One of the side-effects that occurs alongside diabetes is neuropathy.
Are electric blankets safe?
New electric blankets include safety features, such as a rheostat control, that reduce the risk of fire and burns. According to Columbia University, 99 percent of all electric blanket fires are caused by those that are 10 years old or older. Older blankets may not have internal temperature controls to turn them off before they get too hot.
Can I use an electric blanket if I have neuropathy?
Nonetheless, some might advise keeping the electric blanket at the lowest temperature as a safety meausre. If you have neuropathy as a complication of your diabetes, you might be interested in reading a column I wrote about depression and neuropathy. Stay tuned for our upcoming 2018 Neuropathy Medication” chart.
Why does it get so hot when diabetics wear blankets?
Diabetic people often have the joined condition of diabetic neuropathy which causes the loss of sensation in a certain area affected by diabetes, which could leave you exposed to heat for too long before you know it’s gotten too hot. Similarly, like pregnant women, try to leave the blanket for 30 minutes to warm up the surface.
Can you sleep with an electric blanket while pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and you feel cold, you’re better off using warm water bottles or just turning the blanket on to warm up your bed. If you use it to sleep with it, use it at your own risk. An electric blanket is an electrical device which means it will also emit the electromagnetic field (EMF) once you turn it on.
Can electric blankets cause neuropathy?
One of the potential risks of using electric blankets is inadvertently overheating the body. Electric bedding should never be used for an infant or someone who is immobile. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, can result in neuropathy, which arises from damage to the peripheral nerves.
Why can't diabetics use heated mattress pad?
If you have any degree of nerve damage, you may not be able to sense if an electric blanket or heating pad is too hot — which can lead to inadvertent burns.
What are the dangers of sleeping with an electric blanket?
New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk, but old, damaged, or improperly used electric blankets can pose a risk for fire or burns. Electric blankets can be a factor in overheating for pregnant women, and many health organizations recommend discontinuing use during pregnancy.
Who should not use an electric blanket?
Those under the age of 5 years may not recognize or be able to verbalize that it is too hot, so these blankets are generally not recommended for them. Another concern is a child who is still bed wetting — they should avoid electric blankets.
Does electric blanket affect blood pressure?
6, 2019 — Applying a heating pad overnight may help people with supine hypertension, a condition that causes their blood pressure to increase when they lie down including during sleep, according to preliminary results presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions.
Can diabetics use electric heating pads?
Fireplaces and kitchen appliances are obvious heat sources that can cause burns. However, electric heating pads are one of the major culprits of burns among people with diabetes. In fact, injuries are so common that we recommend that none of our clients with diabetes use heating pads.
Can you sleep with a heated blanket on all night?
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. Instead, it's helpful to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.
Are electric blankets Good for Your health?
Heated blankets can provide warmth and comfort during cold and wintery months. However, heated blankets pose a high risk of burn injuries and fires when the recommended precautions are not followed. Electric blankets pose a risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.
Can an electric blanket dehydrate you?
Does Using an Electric Blanket Cause You to Dehydrate at Night? Using an electric blanket can lead to dehydration. Your body can overheat as you sleep so you can lose increased body fluid through sweat as well as by the simple act of breathing.
Are electric blankets good for old people?
Electric blankets can be dangerous for seniors with cognitive issues like dementia or Alzheimer's or for those who are incontinent. They are unsafe for people with Parkinson's, diabetes, or any paralysis. Seniors may get burned by an electric blanket and should discard one that's over ten years old.
Should elderly people use an electric blanket?
Many of us love to get into a warm bed and since many seniors run cold, having an electric blanket is something many enjoy. However, it can be very dangerous for those with diabetes, paralysis from stroke, Parkinson's disease or a dementia.
Are electric blankets good for arthritis?
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.
Who is the best diabetes blogger?
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.
Can diabetes cause nerve damage?
People with diabetes who maintain high blood sugars for a prolonged period of time may experience nerve damage, affecting their ability to feel .
Why are electric blankets bad for you?
First and foremost is because they are bad for your health. Leading advocates for the disuse of electric blankets due to the associated health risks argue the use of these products enhances your risk of being diagnosed with cancer, decreased fertility in men, and pregnancy problems for women.
How to keep diabetic feet warm?
The safest way of keeping diabetic feet warm is to wear a toasty pair of socks made of moisture –wicking materials. Then, slip your stocking feet into some comfy slippers for added warmth, and protection. A little massage or activity will get your blood flowing, and that helps too.
Can diabetics drink hot water?
However, many of these patients use hot water bottles in winter to warm their feet.
Can electric blankets help with arthritis?
For others, (especially those with arthritis), heated blankets can ease joint pain and help them sleep more soundly. And if used smartly, electric blankets can also assist with lowering heating costs.
Does a heating pad produce electromagnetic fields?
Does the heating pad produce electronic fields? Thanks to their unique technology, Microlife's heating pads and electric blankets produce very little electromagnetic radiation, are extremely safe to use and pose no risk to health.
Should you put an electric blanket on top of a mattress topper?
A : The electric blanket should be "sandwiched" between the mattress topper and the bottom sheet that you sleep on. If you have bought a mattress topper for its body moulding properties, you will notice a difference in the feel when you put an electric blanket on top of it.
Does using an electric blanket increase the risk of breast cancer?
In a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers concluded that using an electric blanket -- even all night and for many years -- did not increase the risk for developing breast cancer. About 1,200 women participated in the study, half of them breast cancer patients.
What Are The Dangers Of Using Electric Blankets?
What Are the Dangers of Using Electric Blankets? Electric blankets provide comfort on chilly evenings, but they may pose some dangers. Electric blankets direct heat right where you need it most, allowing for more comfortable sleep on cool winter nights. Unfortunately, these appliances also pose hidden dangers to your health and property.
Do Electric Blankets Cause Cancer?
Are electric blankets safe? I stopped using them years ago when I heard they cause cancer. We see no reason to fear electric blankets, though old blankets can burn you and cause fires if not used properly.
Electric Blanket - General Diabetes Discussion - Type1parents.org
Going with personal experience, not what any medical person or pump rep might suggest. My mom has an electric blanket and has for years. She also uses a heating pad for warmth when resting/napping on the couch. She has had d for 40+ years and as far as I know has no neuropathy in her feet (intestines is another story). She also pumps.
Diabetics And Electric Blankets
This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More. We just got a new electric throw. It is similar to an electric blanket, just smaller. In the manual it says it is not for use by diabetics. Does anyone know why? Just seems weird to me. I can think of 2 reasons.
The Dangers Of Electric Blankets
Electrical cords on electric blankets present some dangers. A cozy, warm electric blanket appeals to many people during the winter months. Electric blankets typically save money compared to turning up the heat when the temperatures drop, but they also present some dangers.
Causes Of Electric Blanket Fires
Causes Of Electric Blanket Fires webadmin 2017-01-20T19:14:19+00:00 For many people, there is nothing quite like the comfort of an electric blanket on a frigid winter night.
Are Electric Blankets Bad For You?
2011-07-11Are Electric Blankets Bad for You? Electric blankets keep the bed warm before you get in and while you are sleeping. Electric blankets are not bad for you per se, but heating blankets are not meant for use with certain medical conditions or electrical hazard concerns. Safe operation is important for safety and health reasons.
What are the side effects of diabetes?
It’s what causes the pins and needles or numbness that diabetic people often feel in their fingers and toes.
Is it safe to use an electric blanket?
While diabetics do need to use a bit of extra caution when using an electric blanket, it’s a much safer option than a hot water bottle. You can’t really control the temperature of a hot water bottle, so there’s a very real risk they could end up too hot and cause burns, especially if you’re suffering from neuropathy.
Can diabetes cause skin damage?
In addition to this, diabetes can also cause damage to skin cells. This can result in a number of different issues, including making your skin more sensitive to temperature. Now, modern electric blankets are fitted with overheat protection systems that stop them from ever getting hot enough to burn somebody, which for most people is fine. If you have diabetes, however, and areas of your skin are very sensitive to heat, there could be a risk of irritation and possibly even burns.
Can you use an electric blanket for diabetics?
Despite this, many people believe it’s a hard and fast rule that diabetic people should never use an electric blanket. If you’re diabetic, or if you’re looking at an electric blanket as a gift for someone who is, you’ll be pleased to know this isn’t quite true! However, there are a few extra precautions you should take when using a heated blanket – this guide will put your mind at rest about all of them.
Can diabetes cause numbness in fingers?
Diabetes has many possible complications, including nerve damage (neuropathy). Over time, excess blood sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish the nerves. This can cause tingling or numbness that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and over a period of months or years gradually spreads upward. Left untreated, it's possible to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs.
Can you use electric blankets with diabetes?
Electric blankets are generally discouraged if you have diabetes.
What are the safety features of electric blankets?
New electric blankets include safety features, such as a rheostat control, that reduce the risk of fire and burns. According to Columbia University, 99 percent of all electric blanket fires are caused by those that are 10 years old or older. Older blankets may not have internal temperature controls to turn them off before they get too hot.
How to store an electric blanket?
When storing an electric blanket, gently roll it or hang it up. If you must fold it, fold with as few creases as possible. Don’t turn on, or leave on, an electric blanket that’s been folded or balled up. If you have any concerns about an electric blanket, unplug it. It can still be used as a regular blanket.
What happens if you don't turn down an electric blanket?
If you don’t dial down or remove an electric blanket or heating pad that’s too hot, it could result in overheating and even burns.
How to prevent a heated blanket from being dangerous?
There are steps you can take to reduce risks from a potentially dangerous heated blanket, including: Look for a tag indicating that the blanket has been tested and approved by a nationally recognized independent testing agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Don’t buy a secondhand electric blanket.
What to do if your blanket doesn't have a timer?
If your blanket doesn’t have a timer, turn it off before you go to sleep.
Can you use an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time?
Don’t use more than one electric blanket at a time. Don’t use an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time.
Can pregnant women use heating blankets?
To avoid any possible risk of complications, the World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source. recommends that pregnant women discontinue heating blanket use while pregnant. Along with electric blankets, pregnant women avoid overheating in saunas and hot tubs.
Why are electric blankets so easy to maintain?
Maintenance of new electric blankets is also relatively easier, because they come with safety switches which can automatically turn off the device when it’s too hot and you forgot to unplug it.
How to use an electric blanket?
How to Use Electric Blanket Properly (13 Tips) 1 Turn it off or unplug it when not in use. 2 Don’t use multiple electric blankets together. 3 Don’t combine electric blankets with heating pads. 4 Unless stated in the declaration, electric blankets shouldn’t be washed in the machine or cleaned with water. 5 If you have a toddler who likes to tinker around, don’t leave the blanket in the plug, as there’s a possibility they may turn it on. Also, avoid plugging it in the sockets with the light switch as control. 6 Avoid dry-cleaning electric blanket unless specified otherwise. 7 Turn it off before you go to sleep unless your blanket has a timer. 8 Don’t pile the other blankets, pillows, toys, and other items that can catch fire. 9 Don’t attach edges under your mattress. 10 If it’s gotten wet, don’t plug it into the power socket. 11 Don’t use hot water bottles in combination with an electric blanket. 12 Don’t fold or bend the electric blanket. Store it hung or gently rolled. 13 Don’t leave it on for extended amounts of time unattended, especially if it’s been balled up or folded before.
Why are electric blankets so popular?
Electric blankets grew in popularity from the moment they were introduced to the market. They help keep you warm during the winter months when nights can get frigidly cold. However, the fame didn’t last long with several side effects of electric blankets that pretty much made it a dealbreaker.
What does an electric blanket emit?
An electric blanket is an electrical device which means it will also emit the electromagnetic field (EMF) once you turn it on.
How to stop a blanket from catching fire?
Turn it off before you go to sleep unless your blanket has a timer. Don’t pile the other blankets, pillows, toys, and other items that can catch fire. Don’t attach edges under your mattress. If it’s gotten wet, don’t plug it into the power socket. Don’t use hot water bottles in combination with an electric blanket.
Why do people die from electric blankets?
A study from 2006 found that people died due to overheating or even certain degree burns which were a result of using a damaged electric blanket. Even other publications urged people to reduce the use of electric blankets as they can cause overheating and burns can be especially fatal towards people who suffer from diabetes.
When did electric blankets start a fire?
There is a history of events where electric blankets started the fire that damaged people’s property and even compromised lives. Back in 2010, a fire in Walnut Creek in California started from a faulty electric blanket, claiming one life.
How many volts does an electric blanket use?
I guess I'll jump back in now. Thanks for the food for thought and the good information. The modern electric blankets while using 120 volts alternating current, only supply a low voltage (14 to 18 volts direct current ) to the blanket. The chance of electrocution is almost nil. The use of a ground fault receptacle is not necessary but, it does not harm anything.#N#I now understand that someone could inadvertently get burned if numbness (neuropathy) limited their ability to sense too much heat. So in our "Age of Litigation" we over protect at times.#N#I have used the blanket for about a month now and am very pleased with the warm even heat that it provides. I haven't awakened one time with cold feet as before.
Why can't diabetics tell if they are getting burned by heat?
It's because they assume that diabetics have such severe neuropathy that they can't tell if they are getting burned by the heat.
Why do diabetics have warnings?
The "warning" is meant to prevent them from lawsuits.
Can diabetics have sensory loss?
But, the thing is, the nerve damage and sensory loss, especially in diabetics, is often very subtle. So subtle, it often goes unnoticed. That's why foot issues can be so sneaky (as we've been discussing on another thread).
Can you use pins and needles for neuropathy?
The Warning would need to read something like, "Warning: Do not use if you have neuropathy, which can include "pins and needles", or even "general numbness" in your extremities, because you could experience burns without realizing it."
Is diabetes a problem?
As is being demonstrated from the existence of this thread, the warning can be confusing and it may cause unneeded concern by those who really don't have to worry about it. Diabetes itself isn't the issue.
What shoes should diabetics wear?
Since diabetics commonly suffer from foot or leg pain, always wear comfortable shoes or slippers. We suggest wearing low-heeled or flat shoes.
How to use a heating pad safely?
Here are the tips that you can do to use it safely: Buffer your skin by placing thick towels in between your skin and the heating pad. When using a heating pad or heating blanket, don’t ever use it on your skin with over 100 F temperature. If you have open wounds, never apply heat or cold treatment as that may cause slower healing of wounds.
How to get rid of back pain from heating pad?
For back pain, position your back by slowly lying flat on the heating pad. Again, if you have neuropathy, make sure to check your skin every few minutes to avoid skin burn. In addition, don’t forget to place a cloth between the heating pad and your back. Lie on it for no more than an hour.
Why do diabetics have cramps?
Due to damaged nerves, diabetic people usually suffer from cramps as well as joints and body pain, particularly in the legs and arms.You are giving lots of safety tips thanks for the useful information,keep sharing
Can diabetics use heating pads?
Due to damaged nerves, diabetic people usually suffer from cramps as well as joints and body pain, particularly in the legs and arms. Although heating pads are NOT advisable to use for diabetic people, some insist on continuing to use one.
Can you use a heating pad on your shoulder?
However, in case you have the regular type, just lie down flat on your back on a firm surface and place the heating pad on the back of your shoulders. If you’re using an electric heating pad, set it to medium heat only.
Can you sleep with a heating pad on?
Don’t sleep with a heating pad on, particularly electric types. This may cause your skin to get burnt when it accidentally malfunctions. When using a heating pad on any part of your body, monitor your skin. Remember, diabetics tend to lose sensation in some parts of their body at times.
