Donating Blood?

Can people living with Diabetes donate blood?

Not in Canada. I used to donate blood often, but after I was diagnosed, they asked me not to come any more.

Yes, I do all the time in Michigan. The questionnaire never asks if you’re Diabetic but I do let them know. As long as you’re in good control and I always check just before and make sure it’s not low.

Barb. I live in MI also. the red cross place I go to asks right away if someone is diabetic.
Renee, Most places that allow diabetics to donate blood mandate that you have good sugars and a good A1c to donate. In the part of MI that I live in I have to have a doctor signed record saying my A1c is under 8 and that I have a good control on everything.

You may also wish to consider asking about donating plasma; it takes much longer than donating blood, but seems to be more widely accepted than donating blood for people with diabetes who may encounter outdated bans and practices that haven’t been updated in decades.