Blood donation is the voluntary act of a healthy person providing blood for someone else. Can people with diabetes also donate blood? We explored common questions about blood donation for people with diabetes with Professor Park Yongsoo of the Department of Endocrinology at Sanggye Paik Hospital.
◇Donation is possible, but you must consult a doctor
Under Korea's Enforcement Regulations of the Blood Management Act, diabetes is a disease-related factor that prohibits blood collection. However, the regulations state that blood donation is permitted if a doctor determines it is possible. People whose blood glucose is usually well controlled may donate if their primary physician determines that it is safe. Some patients receiving medication in addition to dietary and exercise therapy may also be eligible. The Blood Management Division of the Korean Red Cross said through official channels such as its blog that people may donate blood if their blood glucose is well controlled after four weeks have passed since receiving an insulin injection, but they are excluded if they later need to receive another insulin injection. People who receive insulin derived from cattle cannot donate blood permanently.
There is no absolute blood glucose threshold for blood donation, but glycated hemoglobin must be well controlled within the target range, 6 to 7%, and blood pressure and weight on the day of donation must meet the general blood donation criteria. In addition, there must have been no changes in the type of diabetes medication or prescribed dosage within the past month. However, patients with severe complications caused by diabetes, such as kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy or cardiovascular disease, or those who have recently experienced hypoglycemic shock or hyperglycemic coma, should avoid donating because of the risk of a sharp change in blood glucose after donation.
◇Be sure to check blood glucose before and after donating
If you donate blood, carefully manage your blood glucose the day before and on the day of donation. Do not skip meals, and avoid donating if you have symptoms of low or high blood glucose. Consulting a doctor to adjust the timing of diabetes medication and blood donation can help prepare for low blood glucose after donation. When completing the health questionnaire before donating, be sure to tell the medical staff the names of all medications you are taking.
After donating blood, the body's blood volume decreases, affecting insulin and blood glucose regulation and temporarily lowering blood glucose. On the other hand, blood glucose may rise because of the stress response after donation. Check your blood glucose before and after donating, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid beverages containing sugar and drink water instead. If you feel tired or dizzy after donating, sit down immediately and rest sufficiently.
◇Donation is possible, but you must consult a doctor
Under Korea's Enforcement Regulations of the Blood Management Act, diabetes is a disease-related factor that prohibits blood collection. However, the regulations state that blood donation is permitted if a doctor determines it is possible. People whose blood glucose is usually well controlled may donate if their primary physician determines that it is safe. Some patients receiving medication in addition to dietary and exercise therapy may also be eligible. The Blood Management Division of the Korean Red Cross said through official channels such as its blog that people may donate blood if their blood glucose is well controlled after four weeks have passed since receiving an insulin injection, but they are excluded if they later need to receive another insulin injection. People who receive insulin derived from cattle cannot donate blood permanently.
There is no absolute blood glucose threshold for blood donation, but glycated hemoglobin must be well controlled within the target range, 6 to 7%, and blood pressure and weight on the day of donation must meet the general blood donation criteria. In addition, there must have been no changes in the type of diabetes medication or prescribed dosage within the past month. However, patients with severe complications caused by diabetes, such as kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy or cardiovascular disease, or those who have recently experienced hypoglycemic shock or hyperglycemic coma, should avoid donating because of the risk of a sharp change in blood glucose after donation.
◇Be sure to check blood glucose before and after donating
If you donate blood, carefully manage your blood glucose the day before and on the day of donation. Do not skip meals, and avoid donating if you have symptoms of low or high blood glucose. Consulting a doctor to adjust the timing of diabetes medication and blood donation can help prepare for low blood glucose after donation. When completing the health questionnaire before donating, be sure to tell the medical staff the names of all medications you are taking.
After donating blood, the body's blood volume decreases, affecting insulin and blood glucose regulation and temporarily lowering blood glucose. On the other hand, blood glucose may rise because of the stress response after donation. Check your blood glucose before and after donating, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid beverages containing sugar and drink water instead. If you feel tired or dizzy after donating, sit down immediately and rest sufficiently.