Can I Donate Blood If

You can donate blood if you have diabetes, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements. If your diabetes is well managed, you can donate once every 56 days.
Donating blood is a selfless way to help others. Blood donations help people who need transfusions for many types of medical conditions, and you may decide to donate blood for a variety of reasons.
Although you’re allowed to donate blood if you have diabetes, there are a few requirements that you’ll need to meet.

Is it safe for me to donate blood?
If you have diabetes and want to donate blood, it’s generally safe to do so. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are eligible to give blood donations. But you should properly manage your diabetes and be in otherwise good health before donating blood.

Properly managing your diabetes means that you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This requires you to be vigilant about your diabetes daily. You need to be aware of your blood sugar levels throughout each day and make sure you eat a nutritious diet and exercise sufficiently.
Living a healthy lifestyle will contribute to keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help manage your diabetes. These medications shouldn’t impact your ability to donate blood.

If you want to donate blood but are concerned about your diabetes, talk with your doctor before your donation. They can answer any questions you may have and help you determine whether this is the best option for you.
What can I expect during the donation process?

Health screening
Blood donation centers have a screening process that requires you to disclose any preexisting health conditions.
It’s also when a certified Red Cross professional will evaluate you and measure your basic vital statistics, such as:
• temperature
• pulse
• blood pressure
• hemoglobin levels

If you have diabetes, you’ll need to share your condition at the screening. The person screening you may ask additional questions.
You should make sure you have information about any medications you may be taking to treat your diabetes.
People who donate blood, regardless of whether they have diabetes, must also meet the following requirements:
• be in good health in general and on the day you donate
• weigh at least 110 pounds
• be 16 years or older (age requirement varies by state)

How can I prepare for donating blood?
Before you decide to donate blood, there are a few ways you can prepare to make sure your donation is successful. You should:
• Drink plenty of water leading up to the donation. You should increase your water intake a few days before your scheduled donation.
• Eat iron-rich foods or take an iron supplement 1 to 2 weeks before the donation.
• Sleep well the night before your donation. Plan on getting 8 or more hours of sleep.
• Eat balanced meals leading up to your donation and afterward. This is especially important when you have diabetes. Maintaining a healthy diet that keeps your blood glucose levels low is key to managing your condition.

• Limit caffeine on donation day.
• Bring a list of the medications you’re currently taking.
• Carry identification with you, such as your driver’s license or two other forms of identification.