Diabetes can make it difficult for a person to control their blood sugar levels, which are often too high. People with this condition may need to use external sources of insulin to correct these levels. However, individuals with diabetes can still donate blood as long as they can keep their blood sugar under control.
Monitor your blood glucose levels post-donation
Some Type 1 diabetics report slightly elevated blood glucose levels 3-5 days after donating. While your immediate levels won't spike or bottom out due to donating, it is possible that donating blood may cause your A1C or HbA1c to be falsely lowered.
People with type 2 diabetes or at risk of type 2 diabetes who are generally fit and healthy can give blood safely. But you can't give blood if you use insulin to treat your diabetes. That means you can't give blood if you have type 1 diabetes or if you use insulin and have type 2 diabetes or another type of diabetes.
Yes, as long as you have no complications from your diabetes, such as eye, heart, blood vessel or kidney problems, and your diabetes is well controlled through diet or oral medication. If you need insulin to control your diabetes, contact us to check your eligibility.
Recent research suggests giving blood may temporarily improve insulin production and glucose tolerance. Heart attack, stroke and type II diabetes have all been shown to be less common in individuals that regularly donate blood.
Having diabetes doesn't mean you can't have a tattoo, but before deciding to have one done you must be well and ensure that your diabetes is well controlled. High blood sugar levels, for example, can complicate the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
Can you donate blood if you take metformin? Some medications can prevent you from giving blood, like anticoagulants, but no diabetes medications should prevent you from donating blood.
This includes safe sex (using a condom). Been a sex worker or had sex with a sex worker. Had sexual activity with someone who has injected drugs that weren't prescribed. Had sexual activity with someone who has HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection.
It's not always possible to reverse type 2 diabetes. But even if you can't get your blood sugar levels down with lifestyle changes alone and still need medication or insulin, these healthy habits help better manage your condition and may prevent complications from developing.
Hepatitis B and C. HIV infection, AIDS or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) High risk occupation (e.g. prostitution) Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months.
Drink in Moderation
Most people with diabetes can enjoy some alcohol. Rules are the same as for everyone else: one drink per day for women; two for men. But you need to know how alcohol affects your blood sugar. A sugary drink might spike your blood sugar.
The body can detoxify itself naturally (e.g., with help from your liver), but giving blood may help your body's detoxing potential. For example, blood (and plasma) donations have been shown to have an effect on the levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
Cheese can be included in any diet because it contains protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. Cheese can be a great addition to a type 2 diabetes diet as long as it is consumed in moderation. At least one study¹ has found that cheese may actually be able to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of severe central scalp hair loss in AA women. Patients with type 2 diabetes should be followed closely for central scalp hair loss so that appropriate treatment can be offered.
After a donation, most people's haemoglobin levels are back to normal after 6 to 12 weeks. This is why we ask donors to wait for a minimum of 12 weeks between donations (12 weeks for men and 16 weeks for women) to ensure that we don't risk lowering your haemoglobin levels over the long term.
Moderate alcohol consumption (no more than one to two drinks per day) is perfectly safe for most people with diabetes. To avoid hypoglycemia, don't drink on an empty stomach and check your blood sugar often while drinking and up to 24 hours after you stop drinking.
Men with diabetes are 3x more likely to have trouble getting or keeping an erection. There can be several reasons for this, such as limited blood flow, nerve damage (neuropathy) and damaged blood vessels. It can also be down to medication or just how you're feeling at the time.
Watermelon is safe for people with diabetes to eat in moderation. However, it is best to consume watermelon and other high GI fruits alongside foods that contain plenty of nutritious fats, fiber, and protein.
The blue circle. The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. It was introduced in 2006 to give diabetes a common identity.
Fatigue and lightheadedness. People may feel fatigued or experience some dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea after donating blood. This is because of the temporary lowering of blood pressure. If a person feels faint, they can sit down and put their head between the knees so that it is lower than the heart.
No, blood donation won't become a weight loss fad any time soon. However, researchers at the University of California, San Diego have found that you can lose up to 650 calories per pint of blood donated. That's not a bad deal for kicking back and doing a good deed. Lowers the risk of cancer.