Can diabetics use heating pads?

 

Can diabetics use heating pads? Well if a person with diabetes has well-controlled blood glucose (sugars) and does not suffer from nerve damage or any loss of sensitivity they should be good to go and can follow the safety steps below as a precaution. However, if a person with diabetes is experiencing uncontrolled or constantly high blood glucose for a long time (often over several years) then there is a high chance that the nerves that would send pain signals to the brain could become damaged and they might obtain a burn due to overheating. Let me explain…

People with uncontrolled diabetes often develop numbness in their extremities – hands, legs, and feet. The numbness is a result of nerve damage due to consistently high blood glucose levels.  Ultimately this nerve damage may cause loss of sensory neuronal sensations known as Peripheral Neuropathy – basically a loss of nerve fiber function, thus losing touch and temperature sensation. 

Often the numbness that is coming from the nerve damage becomes so bad that it can lead to neuropathic pain which happens when the nerves don’t work properly and send the wrong signals to the brain (this is all still part of having Peripheral Neuropathy). It can feel a bit different for everyone, the most common symptoms include:

• The extremities feel like shooting, stabbing, burning, electric shock, tingling, numb, tightness, prickling, itching, or a sensation of pins and needles or as if wearing a stocking or glove.
• The pain can come and go, or be there all the time. Believe it or not, the pain may be worst at rest and improve with activity, such as walking.

 

Oh, but can Diabetics get Cold Burns?

Yes! Let’s not forget about the precautions that should also be taken to avoid extreme cold exposure to the skin, which can cause cold burns or cold sores.

So to answer your burning question “why can’t diabetics use heating pads?” I’ll summarize by saying that it is not deemed safe for all diabetics to use heating pads, especially if they are with uncontrolled, high blood glucose, without adequate safety knowledge, and possibly need supervision.  

• The same goes for electric blankets, hot water bottles, and hot baths.
• Below I provide you with safety tips you can discuss with your provider and caregivers to put in place to prevent any burns and help you relieve body aches during the winter or any time of the year.

 

How can we make it safe for Diabetics to use heating pads?

 

9 Tips to use a heating pad safely with Diabetes:

 

• • Always place a protective “barrier” between your skin and the heating pad – such as a soft cloth or towel.
  • Stay alert while using heating pads and try to avoid watching TV or using social media.
  • Set a timer for no more than 10 minutes of usage.
  • Avoid using high temperatures settings as these higher temperatures can burn the skin.
  • Never sleep with a plugged-in heating pad, even if it has a timer or “automatic shut-off” and inform someone at your home about your use.
  • If you use a heating blanket in winter to warm up your bedding, do so well before going to bed and turn the heating pad off after the desired warmth.
  • Never rely on your body’s heat sensation, especially when you have any degree of nerve damage.
  • Always look for changes in skin color. For example, pink to red-colored skin is a sign of over-heating skin and irritation.
  • Do not use hot or cold pads on an open wound

 

Heating pad optimal temperature for Diabetics

Everyone’s body is unique and might respond differently to different temperatures. Follow the tips mentioned above and monitor your skin. Consider starting at less than 80°F and no more than 100°F since temperatures greater than 120°F have been shown to cause dangerous burns.

 

What to do when burned by a heating pad?

People with diabetes generally have a difficult time healing, so if they obtain a burn, even when they are minor it may lead to ulceration, a serious infection, and even amputation of the limb. Therefore, preventing and early recognition of burns in diabetic people is very important.

Regardless of the degree of burn wash the burnt area with cold tap water (filtered, distilled or saline would be even better) for about 5-10 minutes, accompanied by washing it with antibacterial soap. You can apply Petroleum Jelly or Aloe Vera to help in relieving pain. Inform your medical provider as soon as possible or visit your local urgent care.

*This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for your doctor’s advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

 

How to prevent nerve damage?

The best approach for people with diabetes to prevent nerve damage or further complications associated with diabetes is by controlling blood sugar levels. If nerve damage or neuropathy pain is already present this can be managed by:

• Taking B supplements, getting regular exercise, wearing appropriate clothing, socks, and shoes, and by following a prescribed nutrition plan from your registered dietitian – who can also help create a plan for weight loss if you are with overweight. 
• Limit or avoid alcohol. Stop smoking or don’t start.
• Your doctor might also prescribe pain medication.
• However, controlling your blood sugar is the bottom line with or without nerve damage.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Why do some diabetics feel hot all the time?

Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes can also affect the function of sweat glands, causing a delay in body temperature regulation Therefore, people with diabetes tend to feel warmer or “hot” more often.

 

Why do I get cold feet with Diabetes?

People with diabetes and nerve damage are at high risk of developing peripheral artery disease. Which causes poor blood flow (circulation) in the legs and feet, therefore, creating the feeling of “cold feet”. Poor blood flow means that it takes longer for the blood to reach your feet.

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This can be caused by blood vessels that are hardened and narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow steadily. Imagine a water hose that has lard through it and has solidified, it would make getting water through the hose quite difficult. This same delay of warm blood flow to the extremities is what causes symptoms of cold feet.