Can Diabetics Donate Blood? Essential Guide

Does Diabetics Types 1 And 2 Affect Blood Donation?

Having either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes doesn’t exclude you from donating blood. The priority is on your general health and Diabetics care, not the particular type of diabetes. If you have well-managed blood sugar and you feel healthy, many donation centers will gratefully accept your contribution of blood.

Things To Know Before You Donate Blood

• Health check: Ensure you’re feeling well and not battling any infections or sickness on the day of donation. You should wait until you are fully recovered if there is anything wrong, like a cold, fever or infection.
• Blood sugar awareness: Check your blood glucose more often in the few days leading up to your donation.
• Meal planning: Have a healthy meal before you come in that includes protein and iron-rich foods (e.g., lean meats, beans, spinach).
• A list of your medications: Bring a list of all of the diabetes medications you are currently taking (all types and doses), as well as any other medications you take regularly.

Blood Donation For Diabetics Is Possible If:

• Your Diabetics is well-managed. This implies that you have normal levels of blood sugar and that you are following your treatment plan according to schedule.
• You feel good the day of donation. If you’re not infected, have open wounds or are too exhausted, chances are you can donate.
• You are in your target blood sugar range on or near the time of donation. If your sugars are within, or quite close to the normal range your doctor recommends.
• You consult your doctor if you have any concerns. “If you have any complications or odd health conditions, it’s generally prudent to check in with your physician to see whether giving blood is safe for you.

Diabetics Are Not Eligible To Donate Blood:

• Uncontrolled Diabetics: If your blood sugar levels are frequently very high, or you’ve experienced Diabetics emergencies in the recent past (such as a severe hypo- or hyperglycemia episode), don’t donate until you’ve received proper medical care and your condition has stabilized.
• Recent illness or surgery: If you’ve been ill (flu, cold, infection) or undergone a major surgical procedure recently, you’ll need to wait until you’re fully healed.
• Disqualifying Medicine: Some drugs may also be a disqualifier and some very old or animal-based insulins (which are not used that much today) would also disqualify you if you have taken them.
• Severe complications: Severe complications from diabetes may mean waiting the length of time.
• Other general deferrals: If you aren’t a regular blood donor, you can’t donate regardless of diabetes status. This can be because of factors such as being under the minimum age or weight, having too low levels of hemoglobin, or because they are pregnant, or have recently been breastfeeding. These are issues for all blood donors.

How Can People With Diabetics Prepare To Donate Blood?

• Stay hydrated: Make sure to consume a lot of water before your appointment. The donation process goes more smoothly when you are well hydrated, and decreases the chance of feeling light headed.
• Eat well: Eat a good meal before you donate. Add in iron-rich foods  and vitamin C to help your body prepare. Skip high-fat or overly heavy foods on donation day.
• Get the glucose: Check your blood sugar Test your glucose before you head to the blood center. If it’s low, have a snack or juice. If it errs a bit on the high side, make as you usually would.
• Be well-rested: Strive for a good night’s sleep the night before you donate. Being rested will help your body deal with the momentary blood loss.
• Pack your supplies: Take a list of the medications you’re on and your glucometer. Bring along a package of dried fruit and healthy snacks or a juice box to enjoy following the donation.

How Can I Donate Blood?

• The drawing itself typically lasts 10 minutes or so. You can also squeeze a foam or soft ball, or just relax your arm to aid circulation.
• Rest and have a snack once the blood is drawn, the needle is removed and a bandage is placed. You’ll sit for a few more minutes. The staff will provide you with water or juice and a light snack to aid your body’s re-acclimation.
• Make sure to rest for at least 10–15 minutes before getting up. You can head out once you feel stable. Leave the bandage on for a few hours and refrain from heavy lifting for the remainder of the day.
• Drink more fluid and eat as you normally do. Since you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar — you may want to check it slightly more frequently than usual over the next day or two.

Barriers To Blood Donation Among Diabetics:

• Blood sugar levels: Blood sugar can be very high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia). Giving blood while your sugar is off can be dangerous.
• Insulin: If you’re an insulin-using donor or a pump user, chances are you can give blood if your diabetes is reasonably well controlled. Remember to always let the folks screening know that you have insulin and they will give you guidance.
• But some medications can disqualify donors. If, for example, you are taking a blood thinner like warfarin (sometimes used to treat heart problems), then no donation for you.
• Cardiovascular issues: If you have cardiovascular disease, a history of stroke or severe circulation problems, it could lead to chiropody contraindication. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or if recent heart events, such as a heart attack or bypass surgery, are in your history, that may mean you should wait.
• Prediabetes: Being prediabetic (elevated — but not still diabetic — blood sugar) generally does not bar you from donating. As long as they meet all other criteria and feel well, people who have prediabetes are generally eligible.

Bottom line

Donating blood is a generous endeavor that saves lives, and many people with diabetes are able to do so safely. “You want to get through your first day and keep your blood sugar in good control, stay out of D.K.A., and be open with the medical staff,” she said.

If your condition is under control, you’re compliant with your treatment and standard donor requirements are satisfied, diabetes by itself isn’t a blocker to saving others.

But be good to yourself, get well-prepared (information follows in English), and bet you will feel proud that thanks to your blood donation someone can hold on.

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