Can people with diabetes donate blood?
Blood donation is an important gift that saves countless lives every day. People living with diabetes are often keen to help others in this way, but the question of eligibility can arise.
So, can people living with diabetes donate blood?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. It involves personal health considerations and other criteria.
Understanding diabetes
Before thinking about blood donation eligibility, it's essential to understand diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose, a type of sugar found in your blood. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
- Type 1 diabetes: This is when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes must have insulin injections to keep them alive and manage their blood glucose levels.
- Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the insulin produced by the pancreas either doesn’t work effectively or isn’t produced enough to maintain glucose levels within target. This type of diabetes is managed by lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise, and oral medications to help manage blood glucose levels. For many people insulin injections may be needed.
Can people with diabetes donate blood?
Eligibility criteria for blood donation are in place for many medical conditions, not just diabetes. This ensures the safety of both donors and recipients of donated blood products.
For people with diabetes, the Lifeblood website states that you can donate blood if 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 manage your diabetes, you need to contact the Lifeblood team to check whether you can donate. You can do this via their website and the contact us link.
When deciding whether to donate blood, there are some important things to keep in mind:
1. Blood Glucose Levels: Lifeblood centres typically require donors to have stable blood glucose levels within target range. For most people with diabetes this would be 5-9mmol/L. This ensures that the donation process does not cause any adverse effects on the donor's health.
2. Hypoglycaemia: Can you donate blood if you had an episode of hypoglycaemia before the donation?
Hypoglycaemia means you have low blood glucose, less than 4mmol/L. This occurs due to certain treatments of diabetes (insulin or Sulphonylurea tablets).
If you have had a hypo the day before you donate blood, you can still donate. Make sure your glucose levels are stable and in target on the donation day before you arrive. If you have a hypo on the day of donation, it may be best to reschedule the donation appointment for another day. Check with the Lifeblood team about how to manage this.
3. Overall Health: Apart from diabetes management, your overall health plays a significant role in blood donation eligibility. Donors must be in good health and free from any infections or chronic illnesses that could compromise the safety of the donated blood product.
Precautions and recommendations
Here are some precautions and recommendations to keep in mind:
- Check your blood glucose levels: Make sure your blood glucose levels are within target range before, during and after the procedure. If you experience any fluctuations or abnormalities, it may be best to stop or postpone your donation until your levels stabilise.
- Stay hydrated and well nourished: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced meal before donating blood to help maintain your blood pressure and prevent light headedness or dizziness. Lifeblood recommends drinking at least eight glasses of fluid the day before, at least three glasses of water (750ml) in the three hours before you donate, and plenty of fluids after.
- Communicate with healthcare providers: Inform the staff at the Lifeblood centre about your diabetes and all the medications you are taking. They can provide guidance and ensure that the donation process is safe for you.
In conclusion, people with diabetes can donate blood, provided that their condition is well-managed and stable. By taking note of the eligibility criteria and taking necessary precautions, people with diabetes can contribute to lifesaving blood donations. Remember, it's essential to check with your healthcare providers and follow the guidelines to ensure the safety for both donors and recipients.
Donating blood is a wonderful and selfless act that can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
If you're eligible and able to donate, consider giving this gift of life.
You can enquire for yourself using the website link: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/
If you are uncertain about the eligibility process, please contact the Diabetes Victoria Advocacy Team at advocacy@diabetesvic.org.au.
Or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to speak to one of our diabetes nurse educators.
Yung Nguyen, credentialled diabetes educator - CDE RN at Diabetes Victoria.
Yung has been part of Diabetes Victoria’s education services team for the last 10 years. She helps to deliver programs for people living with diabetes like OzDAFNE and DESMOND, she also assists with the NDSS Helpline enquiries and delivers training programs for health professionals.
