Can Diabetics Donate Blood?

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Many critically ill people require blood transfusions for various medical reasons. But, can a diabetic patient donate blood? Yes, a person with diabetes can donate blood provided he/she does not have any eye, kidney and blood vessel complications caused from any type of diabetes. Also, a diabetic who is dependent on external insulin is not recommended for blood donation. Let’s know more about facts relating to diabetics donating blood.

Contents:

Does the Type of Diabetes Matter While Donating Blood?

The type of diabetes you are suffering from makes no difference to your ability to donate blood. If you are healthy and have a normal blood glucose level, you are eligible to donate blood. Your blood sugar levels need to be normal before donating blood, and your health should be fine.

Diabetics Eligibility for Donating Blood

  • The donor should not be suffering from any contagious diseases.
  • The donor should be above 18 years and below 65 years.
  • The donor should weigh at least 50 kilos.
  • The donor should have a pulse rate between 50-100 while donating blood.
  • The donor should have a minimum of 12.5 g/dl of hemoglobin before donating blood.
  • The donor should have an ideal blood pressure-Diastolic: 50-100 and Systolic: 100-180.
  • Body temperature should not exceed above 37.5 degrees C.

Diabetics Who Are Not Eligible to Donate Blood

  • People suffering from heart problems, hypertension, high or low blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy, or kidney ailments.
  • People with uncontrolled diabetes and who are on insulin.
  • People who are HIV positive.
  • People who have been vaccinated within one month.
  • People who have received rabies or hepatitis B vaccine in the past 6 months.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • People who have undergone surgeries in the past month.
  • People who have severe asthma with active symptoms.
  • Women who had a miscarriage in the past six months.
  • A person who had alcohol in the past 24 hours.

Preparation Before Donating Blood for Diabetics

If you have diabetes and want to donate blood, you need to follow certain precautions:

  • Eat a healthy meal and avoid unhealthy food
  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fluids 
  • Sleep for at least eight to ten hours before donating blood.
  • Frequently check your blood sugar level. Make sure it  is within the normal range.

After Effects of Donating Blood For Diabetics

Healthy diabetics generally do not have any adverse effects after blood donation, but it is recommended that you follow the following measures:

  • Get good rest if you feel lightheaded.
  • Increase fluid intake after blood donation.
  • Monitor blood glucose regularly.
  • Keep your body nourished.
  • Consume more iron if you have low hemoglobin.

How Frequently Can Diabetics Donate Blood?

If your diabetes is under control, you can donate blood once every fifty-six days. Make sure you consume iron rich foods after donating blood.

Don’t Have Time To Read?

  • Diabetics can donate blood if their sugar levels are kept under control.
  • People with chronic illnesses such as heart problems or kidney diseases cannot donate blood.
  • Diabetics who take insulin are not eligible to donate blood.
  • People with diabetes should keep themselves hydrated and get 9 hours of minimum sleep before donating blood. 
  • Use the Phable care app to know more about the health benefits of makhanas for diabetes, diet plan for diabetes, and you can also consult a specialist physician to manage your diabetes with ease.

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Friendly Asked Questions

Is it safe for a diabetic patient to donate blood?

Yes, it is safe for a diabetic patient to donate blood, but only if the person is healthy and has a normal glucose level. Diabetic patients who take insulin are not eligible to donate blood.

Can donating blood lower your A1C?

It has been seen that blood donation helps to lower A1C in even Type 2 diabetic patients.

Does donating blood help type 2 diabetes?

It has been in recent studies that blood donation improves insulin production and glucose tolerance in donors. It has also been noticed that type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart attack are less in people who donate blood regularly.

Why can’t a diabetic patient donate blood?

A person with diabetes can’t donate blood if they take insulin or have uncontrolled glucose levels. They cannot donate blood if they have other chronic illnesses like kidney problems or heart diseases along with diabetes.