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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can You Give Blood As A Diabetic ?

I am thinking about giving blood this week at a Red Cross drive this week. I am nervous and all, but I am also not sure if my diabetes will be a problem. I am not severely diabetic, like I am not on insulin. At the moment I am trying to control it through diet and exercise. If you have any ideas I d appreciate it. Also, if you are a blood donor, can you help relieve my nerves about giving as well. I d appreciate any help and advice possible. But if you are going to be stupid, save your time and don t answer.
posted on Fri, 11 Dec 2009
Twitter Fri, 11 Dec 2009 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 31 Mar 2011 Last reviewed on
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  Anonymous's Response
's  Response

Having diabetes does not automatically exclude you from donating blood. The American Red Cross states that people with diabetes may donate blood if they meet the following guidelines:

  • They have not had an initial dosage of insulin or change of insulin dose in at least two weeks.
  • They have not received an injection of bovine (beef) insulin made from cattle from the United Kingdom since 1980.
  • Oral medications for type 2 diabetes DONT disqualify you from blood donation eligibility.
  • It is suggested that people with diabetes wait 8 WEEKS (or 56 DAYS ) between whole blood donations.
  • Donors with well-established (not recently diagnosed) diabetes, who are controlled by diet, oral medications and/or insulin therapy, are eligible to donate
  • Controlling medications must have been used in the 24 hours before donation
General & Family Physician,  Dr. JItendra Sharma's  Response
Generally and broadly- To lessen the confusion and keep things simple. You can donate blood if you are on diet control for diabetes.

And there are norms layed out by american red cross association. Which can be explained to you once you visit any of the blood donation camps.
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Can You Give Blood As A Diabetic ?

Having diabetes does not automatically exclude you from donating blood. The American Red Cross states that people with diabetes may donate blood if they meet the following guidelines: They have not had an initial dosage of insulin or change of insulin dose in at least two weeks. They have not received an injection of bovine (beef) insulin made from cattle from the United Kingdom since 1980. Oral medications for type 2 diabetes DONT disqualify you from blood donation eligibility. It is suggested that people with diabetes wait 8 WEEKS (or 56 DAYS ) between whole blood donations. Donors with well-established (not recently diagnosed) diabetes, who are controlled by diet, oral medications and/or insulin therapy, are eligible to donate Controlling medications must have been used in the 24 hours before donation