Can People with Diabetes Donate Blood? Eligibility, Risks, and What to Expect

Explore who can donate blood with diabetes, safety guidelines, and how to prepare for a healthy donation experience.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Explore who can donate blood with diabetes, safety guidelines, and how to prepare for a healthy donation experience.

Donating blood is a lifesaving act that helps millions of people each year. However, if you are living with diabetes, you may wonder whether you can contribute to this essential cause and, if so, what special considerations you need to keep in mind. This guide explores who can donate blood with diabetes, what rules apply, how to prepare for donation, and what recovery entails.

Can People with Diabetes Donate Blood?

In the United States and many other countries, people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can donate blood as long as their condition is well managed and they meet all other standard donor requirements. Well-controlled blood sugar is essential, and you must generally feel well on the day of donation.

While diabetes alone is not a disqualifying condition, there are important eligibility criteria and health precautions that every prospective donor with diabetes should know.

Key Eligibility Criteria for Diabetics

Blood donation eligibility for people with diabetes primarily depends on two factors:

Your diabetes must be well managed (i.e., stable blood sugar levels).
You must meet the same general requirements as other donors.

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Minimum Age	Usually 17 years (16 in some states with parental consent).
Minimum Weight	At least 110 pounds (50 kg).
General Health	Must be feeling healthy and well on the donation day.
Diabetes Control	Blood sugar is well regulated with or without medication.
Medication Use	Most diabetes medications are allowed (see below for exceptions).
Infection or Illness	No active infections, fever, or illness at the time of donation.
Complications	No severe diabetes-related complications (like severe neuropathy or kidney disease).

How Does Diabetes Affect Blood Donation?

Simply having diabetes does not exclude you from blood donation. Your eligibility will be based on your current health and diabetes management—not on your diagnosis alone.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Both people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are generally eligible if their condition is well managed.

Prediabetes: Individuals with prediabetes can also donate blood as long as they meet all standard requirements and feel well.

Common Myths and Facts

Myth: All diabetics are excluded from donating blood.
Fact: Diabetes alone does not disqualify you—you can donate if you are otherwise healthy and managing your blood sugar.
Myth: People taking insulin are always ineligible to donate blood.
Fact: Use of insulin does not usually disqualify you in the US unless you are using older, bovine-derived insulin (derived from cattle), which is excluded due to past risk of prion disease.

Who Should Not Donate Blood with Diabetes?

Even if your diabetes is under control, you may not qualify for blood donation if you have:

Poorly controlled blood sugar or recent episodes of severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar).
Severe complications from diabetes, such as kidney failure, advanced neuropathy, or retinopathy affecting vision.
Active infection or recent illness (including fever, cold, or flu at the time of donation).
Ever used bovine (cattle-derived) insulin to treat diabetes (due to transmission risks of mad cow disease).
Other disqualifying health issues (e.g., specific heart disease, HIV, hepatitis, active cancer, or intravenous drug use history).

Note: If you are unsure, check with your healthcare provider and the blood donation organization before your donation appointment.

Medication Use and Blood Donation

The type of medication used to control diabetes is important but generally does not exclude you from donating:

Oral Medications: Metformin and most other oral diabetes drugs are permitted.
Injectable Medications: Modern insulins (e.g., Humalog, Novolog, Lantus) and GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) are allowed if diabetes is well controlled.
Cattle-derived Insulin: Those who have ever used bovine insulin are typically excluded from donating in the US, Canada, UK, and other countries.

Preparing to Donate Blood with Diabetes

Proper preparation increases the safety and comfort of blood donation, especially for those with diabetes. Follow these recommendations in the days leading up to your donation:

Monitor blood sugar closely to ensure it is stable and within your usual target range.
Eat a healthy meal before donation—do not donate on an empty stomach, as this raises the risk of hypoglycemia.
Stay hydrated by drinking water in the hours before your appointment.
Continue routine medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Avoid heavy physical activity before and immediately after donating blood.
Bring a list of your medications and your doctor’s contact information just in case the staff have questions.

What to Expect: The Donation Process

Registration: You’ll register at the blood donation center and present identification.
Health Screen: Staff will conduct a health screening, asking questions about health history, medications, and recent travel.
Blood Sugar Check: Some centers may inquire about your blood sugar levels or ask how you manage diabetes, but they do not typically check your blood glucose onsite.
Hemoglobin Test: A finger-prick test measures your hemoglobin to ensure levels are high enough for donation.
Donation: The process of drawing blood usually takes 8–10 minutes.
Recovery: You’ll be asked to relax with refreshments for 10–15 minutes after donating.

What Are the Risks for Diabetics After Donating Blood?

While blood donation is generally safe for people with controlled diabetes, certain risks may be higher than for other donors:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) soon after donation, especially if you donate without eating or if you take insulin or certain oral medications.
Feeling faint, dizzy, or weak due to temporary fluid and red blood cell loss.
Mild dehydration or delayed recovery, particularly if you do not drink enough fluids.
Changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test results: Donation may falsely lower HbA1c lab results for up to 2–4 months post-donation. Discuss this with your healthcare provider when reviewing the results.

How to Take Care of Yourself After Donating Blood

To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these key steps after donating blood:

Eat a nutritious meal and a light snack right after donation.
Continue to monitor your blood sugar at regular intervals for the next 24–48 hours.
Avoid strenuous activities or exercise for the rest of the day.
Drink extra fluids (water, juice) to help your body replenish fluid volume.
Rest as needed. Notify a healthcare professional if you feel unwell or experience symptoms like lightheadedness, persistent weakness, or severe hypoglycemia.

Most people recover within hours, but if you have complications from diabetes or have recently had unstable glucose levels, recovery might be slower. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Who Else Shouldn’t Donate Blood?

Some medical and personal factors disqualify people from donating blood, regardless of diabetes status:

Underweight (less than 110 pounds)
Less than the minimum age for your state/region
Severe anemia or low iron levels
Recent major surgery or medical procedures
History of intravenous drug use
Certain infectious or chronic diseases (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, untreated cancer, heart or lung disease)
Recent tattoos or piercings, depending on the country and center policies

Blood Donation in Different Countries

Eligibility rules may differ somewhat outside the United States:

In the U.K., people who manage diabetes by diet alone can usually donate, but those taking insulin are generally not eligible.
In Canada and Australia, similar policies apply regarding insulin use and donor safety.
Always check with your local blood donation authority for up-to-date guidelines.

Benefits of Blood Donation for People with Diabetes

Donating blood does not cure or treat diabetes, but there are several non-medical benefits:

Helping others: Blood donation saves lives and is a way to give back to the community.
Personal health check: The pre-donation process includes a basic health screening (blood pressure, hemoglobin) that can alert you to possible health concerns.
Satisfaction of volunteering: Acts of altruism contribute to mental well-being and social connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can people with type 1 diabetes donate blood?

Yes, people with type 1 diabetes can donate blood if their condition is well managed and they meet all other standard eligibility criteria.

Can people with type 2 diabetes donate plasma?

Yes, people with type 2 diabetes may donate plasma as long as their blood sugar is well controlled and there are no other underlying health issues or complications.

Does taking insulin disqualify you from donating blood?

No, taking insulin does not automatically disqualify you in most cases, unless you have used cattle-derived (bovine) insulin at any time. Modern synthetic insulins are usually permitted if your diabetes is well controlled.

Can donating blood affect your blood sugar or A1c test results?

Blood donation can temporarily lower A1c test results (a measure of average blood sugar over three months) for up to 2–4 months after donation. This does not reflect a real improvement in glucose control. Monitoring your blood sugar more frequently after donation is recommended.

What should a diabetic eat before and after giving blood?

Before donation: Eat a well-balanced meal rich in complex carbohydrates and lean protein (such as whole grains and lean meats), and avoid skipping meals or fasting.
After donation: Have a snack or meal containing carbohydrates and fluids soon after donating to help restore blood sugar and prevent hypoglycemia.

What symptoms should diabetics watch for after donating blood?

Common symptoms after blood donation include mild dizziness, weakness, and tiredness. Diabetics should be extra alert for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) signs like shakiness, sweating, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.

Can you donate blood if you have diabetes and high blood pressure?

You may donate if your blood pressure and diabetes are well controlled and you meet all other requirements. Speak with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Should people with diabetic complications donate blood?

If you have serious complications of diabetes—such as kidney disease, significant heart disease, or severe nerve damage—it is generally recommended not to donate. Always consult your doctor.

Takeaway

People with diabetes can often be eligible and safe blood donors if their condition is well managed and they do not have complications that could risk their own or recipients’ health. Proper preparation, honest communication during the screening process, and diligent aftercare help ensure a smooth donation experience. If you have questions, consult both your healthcare provider and your local blood donation center.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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