donated blood today

poodlebone · #1 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 10:45 AM

The last time I donated was April 1987, maybe two weeks before being diagnosed with Type 1. Someobody got a very sweet pint out of that. For years after I thought that I was excluded from donating. Recently I know there was a thread about it here. My apartment complex had a blood drive a couple of weeks ago and I missed it. Yesterday I was checking out the New York Blood Center web site and read everything about who can and can not donate, temporary exclusions, permanent exclusions, etc. Diabetics (both types) are allowed to donate. I did a search for local blood drives and found one going on today in a church a few blocks away on my street. So, I headed down, filled out the form, had my finger poked (I forget what they check for with that) and was given the okay to donate.

I made the mistake of moving my arm a bit after the needle was in and it hurt like crazy for about 15 seconds, then the pain slowed to a dull throb. Not bad. Right after that, though, I felt warm and nauseous so they lowered my head and elevated my feet and the feeling went away, and the rest of the time was uneventful.

After that I had about 6 oz of orange juice and two Oreos. I checked my BG before eating the snack and it was 81. I wasn't sure what would be going on with my BG, so I bolused for only 1/2 cup of juice. I felt great, walked back home feeling fine and don't feel weird at all now.

So, does anyone know what effect donating a pint (plus several tubes) has on BG? Should I expect high, lower or no change in my BG readings?

I'm glad I did it and plan on finding another drive in September, when I'm eligible to donate again.

sofaraway · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 11:06 AM

well done you.

think the finger prick measures heamoglobin, if it's low you can't donate.

I'd like to donate blood, but in the UK we are not allowed.

Lex4153 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 11:27 AM

I don't know what effect donating blood would have on the bg's. I wouldn't think it would affect it, but I don't know for sure.

What restrictions are there for diabetics to donate their blood? I thought it was something like having controlled bg's for 3 months or something. I'm not too sure.

Good for you for donating, by the way!

jillsp · #4 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 12:20 PM

I was always under the impression that I coudn't donate blood. I'm glad to learn that isn't the case. Although, I"m assuming you have to be in good control?

Good for you for doing that! It's makes a big difference.

Cinnabon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 01:30 PM

I have always heard that for some reason, donating blood tends to higher our blood sugar, dont know why and I have not tried it.

poodlebone · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lex4153

What restrictions are there for diabetics to donate their blood? I thought it was something like having controlled bg's for 3 months or something. I'm not too sure.

I'm in NYC and checked out the New York Blood Center web site. Their web site says, in reference to diabetes: Type I/II: Accept if on insulin (including insulin pump) and stable; donor must have eaten prior to donation. Accept if diet controlled and/or on oral agents.

So there are no restrictions really. They didn't ask if I was stable. Actually, I don't think there was any question about diabetes, only if you have one of the diseases for permanent exclusion (like AIDS). I didn't say anything about being diabetic since it wasn't an issue. I did take out my meter at the snack table after I donated (BG was 81) and had orange juice, trail mix & 2 Oreo cookies. I bolused only for about half the carbs.

My BGs have been good so far since donation. The fingertip where he poked me for whatever little instant test they do is bruised and sore. That's why I always poke on the sides of my finger!

poodlebone · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinnabon

I have always heard that for some reason, donating blood tends to higher our blood sugar, dont know why and I have not tried it.

My BGs have been good all day since donation, but I've also been pretty active today.

At the snack table I was talking to the volunteers and one woman said that their drives, which they do at this church/school every July, have really slowed down. She said they've been getting maybe 1/3 the number of donors they had 10+ years ago. So, now that I know it's not going to kill me I do plan on donating as often as I'm allowed, which is every 56 days. When I checked the web site I saw that they have drives going on all over the city all the time, so I should always be able ti find something convenient.

Plus, it's an excuse to eat Oreos.

parrotletzoo · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 06:32 PM

From someone who has recently had five units of blood. THANK YOU!!

lgvincent · #9 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 09:19 PM

Sorry, I don't have an answer to your question.

Every time I've tried to donate, they've treated me so bad once I tell them that I have diabetes that I just gave up.

mg_2204 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrotletzoo

From someone who has recently had five units of blood. THANK YOU!!

My thought exactly! Thank you.

Years ago I used to donate blood 3 times a year. I hope I can go back to donating on a reg basis when I am back in Canada.

Goldrun · #11 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 04:07 AM

I live in North Carolina, and went to a blood drive a couple of months ago. I was curious too because I assumed I couldn't give blood. I read through their material and regarding diabetics it stated as long as you aren't on an animal based insulin you can donate. So, maybe different states have different regulations? Or is it that NC literature is dated....is anyone still on animal based insulin?

I know Lantus and Novolog are human analog.

Anyway, I donated and felt fine...no real negative affects on my blood sugar....I think I was around 111 afterwards (I ate a few crackers afterwards and skipped the juice).

kidvid · #12 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 06:08 AM

I recently donated after being dx'ed 6 months ago. The staff didn't bat an eye when I told them I was diabetic - just asked if I was under control. I tested before and after, and had no adverse effects. I had the good fortune of being able to time my donation just after I ate my regular AM snack.

Thanks for bringing the subject up again - I need to schedule another time to go donate - I used to be a regular donor and intend to get back into the swing of it!

Regards,

Joe

poodlebone · #13 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mg_2204

My thought exactly! Thank you.

Years ago I used to donate blood 3 times a year. I hope I can go back to donating on a reg basis when I am back in Canada.

In the donor criteria for the New York Blood Center, it says "defer indefinitely" if you have spent time that adds up to 3 months or more in the United Kingdom. There are some other UK specific exclusions as well. I think it has something tod do with mad cow disease.

poodlebone · #14 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldrun

I live in North Carolina, and went to a blood drive a couple of months ago. I was curious too because I assumed I couldn't give blood. I read through their material and regarding diabetics it stated as long as you aren't on an animal based insulin you can donate. So, maybe different states have different regulations? Or is it that NC literature is dated....is anyone still on animal based insulin?

When I was looking at the exclusion list for NY, it said that you couldn't donate if you took bovine insulin manufactured in the United Kingdom. Didn't say anything about other animal insulins, or about bovine insulin manufactured elsewhere.

Gangrel · #15 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006, 10:18 AM

I'm in Canada (eh) and I cannot donate blood.

My friend, who's a nurse, told me that excessive sugar levels in the blood causes blood to expire quicker then normal. So, as a consequence, they don't take it from diabetics here. Makes sense, I'd had to have someone get complications from spoiled blood........