Type 1 diabetes and donating blood: What you need to know

When checking out current medical wisdom on diabetes and donating blood, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that people with well-managed type 1 diabetes (t1d) can donate.

While living with the condition for more than five decades, I always assumed that there were deep flaws in my sometimes sugary blood and that no hospital or blood center would want it. Well, it's never too late to learn something new — as it turns out, there's no need for people with t1d to refrain from this altruistic, worthwhile activity.

Here's what you need to know about type 1 diabetes and donating blood.

People with T1D can be blood donors

According to the American Red Cross, people with t1d are eligible to donate blood as long as the condition is "well-controlled." There's no specific explanation of what "well-controlled" means, so it's important to check with your healthcare provider if you want to donate.

There's one exception: Those who take insulin that's derived from beef can't donate blood, according to the National Institutes of Health. The Food and Drug Administration reported blood transfusions with this kind of insulin put people at higher risk for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Beef insulin is increasingly rare in the U.S., where it hasn't been manufactured since 1998, but it's more common in other countries.

If you take other forms of insulin and your doctor gives the all-clear, you can donate blood if you're:

• Otherwise healthy and feeling OK
• At least 16 years old in most states
• At least 110 pounds
• Meet other criteria that are specified by the institution where you're donating blood. For example, Mayo Clinic indicates that someone who is HIV positive, has had contact with someone with viral hepatitis, or has other medical conditions isn't eligible to donate blood.

If your doctor indicates you need to improve your diabetes management before you can donate blood, consider checking out advanced diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and testing supplies, that can help make your daily management easier.

Preparing to donate blood

Interested in donating to your local blood bank? Follow these five steps to prepare for your appointment:

1. Be extra-vigilant about your blood sugar management leading up to the day of the appointment.
2. Check if any medications you take would prevent you from donating blood. For example, some people are asked to donate platelets, tiny blood cells that form clots and stop bleeding. Platelet donors shouldn't take aspirin for two days prior to giving blood. Of course, talk to your doctor before you stop taking medications.
3. Get plenty of sleep the night before your appointment.
4. Eat a healthy meal before your donation. The American Red Cross recommends iron-rich foods such as fish, poultry, beans, and spinach. Try to stay away from fatty foods like hamburgers, fries, and ice cream.
5. Stay hydrated. The American Red Cross advises drinking an extra 16 ounces of water before giving blood.

The blood donation process

The process of donating blood may vary depending on where you do it, but it's usually pretty straightforward. You'll likely be asked to provide your medical history, and the attending physician will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels. Then, you'll donate blood while either seated or lying down. The procedure should last between eight and ten minutes.

After it's finished, you'll probably be offered a drink and a snack. This is definitely a moment when t1d can distinguish you from other blood donors, as you might not want any of the sugary cookies and juice on hand. Before your next meal, it's wise to check your blood sugar with a CGM or fingerstick test to gauge how many carbs you can eat and whether you'll need a little extra bolus insulin.

Finally, after the blood donation, you should drink extra fluids and avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting. Try to keep your bandage on (and dry) for the next five hours. If you feel lightheaded, lie down with your feet up until the feeling passes.

COVID-19 considerations

Blood centers are open and in need of donations, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Because donated blood is a lifesaving, essential part of caring for patients, the CDC encourages people who are well to continue to give blood while practicing social distancing.

Every year, about 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood, and about one in seven people entering a hospital require blood transfusions. They need your help. If you're taking the right steps to manage your t1d, you can give people the gift of life by donating blood.

Need more tips about getting more out of life, including helping others, if you have t1d? You can find lots of practical information on the Health Insights blog.