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GregGolden
10-31-2006, 07:00 PM
Can Diabetics give blood?
Diana
10-31-2006, 07:03 PM
That really depends who you ask. If you want to give blood, I would suggest you talk to the actual clinic that you would be using to donate blood. I know people with T1 who have given blood, and others who have been turned away. I should also imagine it varies according to where you live =)
Cyborg
10-31-2006, 07:04 PM
Yes, diabetics can give blood. In Florida...
JediSkipdogg
10-31-2006, 07:38 PM
In the United States yes. However, it's not recommended to give blood right before you are due for an A1C test because it is possible to skew the results with all the new blood you will be creating over the next few days.

In some countries though, they see harm in giving blood to both the diabetic and the patient recieving it. So, depending where you are, you may or may not be able to give it.
CycloneKitty
10-31-2006, 09:57 PM
Can Diabetics give blood?

I tried to give blood about 10-15years ago and was rejected purely cause of the diabetes. Now everyone here has sorta said yes in a round-about way. Either times have changed, or Victoria/Australia doesnt allow us to give blood. At the time - i was told it was cause of the hormones (insulin) we take. Might have to look into it again and see if I can donate now. Fingers crossed.:nurse:
poodlebone
10-31-2006, 10:31 PM
I gave blood in July and again in September. I'm sure they'll be calling me in a few weeks looking for more.
sviskan
11-01-2006, 01:26 AM
Where I live in Europe diabetics are not allowed to give blood.
Stuboy
11-01-2006, 04:19 AM
in the UK... NO

The only diabetics allowed to give blood here are those who are controlled on DIET alone. No medications. Even then they'll query it.
LauRa Lu
11-01-2006, 04:48 AM
in the UK... NO

The only diabetics allowed to give blood here are those who are controlled on DIET alone. No medications. Even then they'll query it.

Are you sure? I was due to give blood last year but couldn't because i had a cold. They didn't see the diabetes as a problem, as long as my bg had been ok which it had.
Stuboy
11-01-2006, 04:51 AM
Are you sure? I was due to give blood last year but couldn't because i had a cold. They didn't see the diabetes as a problem, as long as my bg had been ok which it had.

Oh really? I was told that no one who was on medication, esp. insulin and diabetes related medication could give blood. That was from the Diabetes Clinic. I did email NBS about it and ask them but they never BOTHERED to reply to me.

Must investigate!!
LauRa Lu
11-01-2006, 04:54 AM
I did email NBS about it and ask them but they never BOTHERED to reply to me.

Must investigate!!

I suposed it does depend who you ask... they'd probably have let me lay there and take my blood then at some point it would just get chuck by someone who has more knowledge. Would be interesting to find out a definite either way.
kgm0612
11-01-2006, 07:29 AM
You can check out this site by the American Red Cross regarding blood donation.

American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html)
It Ain't Over
11-01-2006, 08:03 AM
That site says if you have recieved an injection since 1980 of Bovine Insulin from the United Kingdom you are not eligable to donate blood.
Other than that looks like we can donate.
Stuboy
11-01-2006, 08:31 AM
the rules are probably different from the US and the UK.

I have emailed them (again) to ask. If i get no joy i'll call 'em up and give 'em ****.

I think it's outright RUDE not to get back in touch with someone requesting whether they can still give blood or not, esp as they are crying out for it.
Gangrel
11-01-2006, 10:52 AM
I've been told that high levels of glucose in blood lowers the shelf life considerably, and that's why we can't donate. If your blood happens to be 10 when you go to donate...... it's no good.

This was according to my buddy who's an RN.
Stuboy
11-01-2006, 11:39 AM
sorry about the person who got my blood when i last donated then!! It was just before diagnosis!
belyro
11-01-2006, 01:28 PM
The Canadian Red Cross does not allow Type 1 Diabetics to give blood. Not sure about Type 2.
poodlebone
11-01-2006, 08:07 PM
sorry about the person who got my blood when i last donated then!! It was just before diagnosis!

I had donated blood right before diagnosis too. I was already feeling a little run down by then but didn't feel "sick". Just tired, a little thirsty. If high BG lowers the shelf life, that pint probably wasn't good for very long.

I know here in the NYC area they say that Type 1 + 2 diabetics in good control can donate. They never asked me what my A1c was, or what my last BG check was, so they don't seem to care much about the control issue. They've only asked me if I had eaten.