Can diabetics use electric blankets?

It is generally not recommended for diabetics to sleep with an active electric blanket due to the risk of diabetic neuropathy and decreased skin sensitivity. If you suffer from nerve damage, please consult your physician first. A safer alternative is using thick woolens or heavy quilts.

Instead of relying on electric blankets, try natural ways to keep warm like doing some light stretching before bed or drinking hot sugar-free green tea. Keeping your blood circulation active through daily walks also helps naturally regulate your body temperature during winters.

My doctor strictly told me to avoid electric blankets because of the risk of silent burns. Because of high sugar levels, our skin healing capacity is slower, so even a minor overheat can turn into a serious wound. She suggested using a hot water bag wrapped in a thick towel instead, and to check the heat with my hands first.

I am newly diagnosed and was actually planning to buy an electric blanket for this winter. I didn't know about the nerve sensitivity issue at all. Do normal thick blankets not work well enough, or is there any other safe way to keep my feet warm at night?

Please don't take this lightly. I once used a heating coil on my feet because they felt cold, and because of my mild nerve numbness, I didn't realize it was burning my skin until it blistered badly. If you have any tingling or numbness in your feet, please go get a proper nerve sensation checkup done.