Many diabetics often experience certain types of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) that lead to a loss of sensation in certain parts of the body, especially the legs, and sometimes the arms. As a result, they may accidentally burn themselves because they cannot perceive the temperature of electric blankets or heating pads. Therefore, the safest way to use them is to preheat the bed with the electric blanket before going to sleep and then turn it off or remove it while sleeping.