Sunday, April 14, 2024
HomeEditor PicksCan You Donate Plasma If You Have Diabetes

Can You Donate Plasma If You Have Diabetes


Diabetes Medication And Giving Blood

VERIFY: Can you donate blood, platelets, or plasma after getting a COVID vaccine?

People who take diabetes medication can give blood, as long as their medication hasnt changed in the last four weeks.

Medication changes include changes in dosage, as well as the type of medication taken.

If your medication has changed recently, the effect on your blood glucose means that your health would be at risk should you give blood.

Whats The Difference Between Donating Blood And Plasma

Plasma donation can be done more frequently than whole blood donation because a portion of the blood is returned to the body.


For some people, this makes plasma donation easier and less likely to cause side effects than whole blood donation.

And while there are generally no financial incentives for whole blood donations, private companies often pay donors for plasma donations.

This distinction isnt a hard and fast rule. But paying for whole blood donations isnt the industry standard.

The chart below outlines some of the major differences between whole blood vs. plasma donations.

Whole Blood

How Much Money Will I Make

The amount of money you make for each successful plasma donation is based on the time it takes you to donate and other factors. Additionally, donor fees may vary month-to-month, by location, or even for special promotions throughout the year.


For current promotions, please see our special donor promotions page: . **New Donors Earn Bonus Money! – and many of our donation centers are running special frequency bonuses for your 2x weekly donations . It all adds up!

For more info, please contact your local .

Read Also: Alpha Cell Glucagon

How Often Can You Donate Blood

According to the American Red Cross eligibility standards, healthy people can donate whole blood every 56 days and every 7-14 days for platelets.

Despite this frequency, Dr. Herron said that there is often a shortage of blood during the summer months and the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year.


He said this is because people are off work and often go on vacation. There is no vacation time for patients, so we need blood donors year-round, he said.

Recommended Reading: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar

Conditions For Giving Blood

Who can give blood  can you donate if you have tattoos or ...

There are a number of conditions that may prevent you from giving blood. Some of them, although not always directly caused by diabetes, can be related, such as:

  • Ulcers related to numbness or any other numbness-related heart condition
  • If you have had complicated dental work: over time, prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels can damage the teeth, giving people with diabetes a heightened risk of needing complicated dental work such as a tooth extraction
  • If you have had a pancreatic tissue transplant, you will not be eligible to give blood

Recommended Reading: Glucagon Actions

Preparing For Blood Donation If You Have Diabetes

Before donating blood, you should try your best to:


  • Strive to keep blood sugars in a normal range the day before/of donating
  • Hydrate well by drinking plenty of water
  • Get plenty of sleep the night before
  • Do not perform intense exercise that same day, before or after donating
  • Be sure to have eaten a normal snack or meal
  • Be sure not to consume too much caffeine
  • Be prepared to disclose any medications you are currently on
  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol the day before/of donating
  • Check your blood sugar frequently
  • Take insulin as directed
  • Avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours
  • Rest immediately if youre feeling dizzy
  • Rest if feeling lightheaded
  • Eat your normal snacks and meals

Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects

There are few to no side effects and minimal risk involved in donating plasma.

Some donors might experience small bruising near where the needle was put in their arm. Its also possible you might feel a little dizzy or lightheaded after donating plasma.

Visit our Health & Nutrition page for tips for a safe and successful plasma donation experience.

Recommended Reading: How Many Grams Of Sugar Can A Diabetic Have

Read Also: Hypoglycemia Turning Into Diabetes


Kendsie Hunter: Can Diabetics Donate Blood Organs Or Plasma

Kendsie Hunter: Can Diabetics Donate Blood, Organs or Plasma? Being the people person that I am, I am always looking for a way to help others. However, when my friends recently went off to donate blood for a volunteer hour, I second-guessed my ability to help others. I know that I can volunteer in different ways, but it got me thinking: Ive just always assumed that because I have diabetes I am not able to donate blood, organs or plasma, but is there any truth to this way of thinking? I asked a Certified Diabetes Educator . (However, it is a different story for organs. Diabetics cannot donate organs while living. One of the reasons is the fact that as diabetics live longer, the disease in one way or another affects their organs. For example, kidney and heart disease are common among diabetics,Continue reading > >

What Will My First Plasma Donation Visit Be Like

VERIFY: You can still donate plasma if you’ve gotten the COVID-19 vaccine

After a staff member greets you, checks your ID and Social Security card, and verifies your address, youll watch a short video on the plasma donation process. Youll also answer health questions, get a check-up, and be screened to make sure you can donate plasma. Please allow for up to 2 hours for your visit. After your first successful plasma donation, your money will be loaded on an Octapharma Plasma Visa debit card.

For more on what to expect during your first plasma donation, visit our First-Time Donors page.

For more on what to do following your first plasma donation, visit our Heath & Nutrition Tips page.

Recommended Reading: Diabetic Macaroni And Cheese


Who Cannot Donate When Suffering From Diabetes

Dr. Manoj Chadha explains, “Diabetes is a disease of metabolism. It affects the patient’s body, not the blood. As long as the patient does not have underlined chronic complications of diabetes like heart disease or kidney problems, there is absolutely no reason why he or she cannot donate blood.”

Diabetics should follow the same precautions like having a reasonable amount of hemoglobin, healthy blood sugar numbers, healthy blood pressure and they should not have had any infection in the recent past.

“The drill is checking the blood group and hemoglobin and your blood pressure needs to be controlled. Diabetes does not cause an infection like other diseases. If a patient is fit to donate blood, they should go ahead and donate. Donating blood can help save someone’s life,” Dr. Chadha.

Also read: Diabetes Diet: Can Diabetics Replace Sugar With Honey?

How Do I Get My Money

Your money will be credited to an Octapharma Plasma prepaid debit card after each successful plasma donation.


For more information, visit our Payments & Rewards page.

To check your balance, replace a lost or stolen card, or find out more about how to activate or use your new Mastercard, call 326-8689 or visit .

Recommended Reading: Diabetic Medicines Side Effects

Can I Still Donate Blood If I Have Diabetes

By Elisabeth Almekinder RN, BA, CDE

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may have questions about donating blood.


Blood banks are always in need of donations. During disasters and other emergencies, people often require blood transfusions to survive.

Its only natural that people with diabetes will want to help in situations when blood transfusions are needed, and people with both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes can and do donate blood in the United States.

Its important to note that just one pint of blood can help up to three people in need.

However, there are some things that you need to know before you donate blood and have diabetes.

In this article, we will look at the requirements for donating blood with diabetes, as well as general requirements for donating blood in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.


Can I Sell/ You Donate Plasma If You Have Diabetes

Can You Sell Plasma If You Have Diabetes

Can diabetics donate plasma? Can I donate blood if I am diabetic? Blood donation is a selfless way to help needy people. The blood donation can help those people who need transfusion due to various health problems. There could be several good reasons behind blood donation. Did you know that a pint of donated blood can save the life of three persons? If you are diabetic, then you can also donate your blood. But, the diabetic person has to meet certain requirements before donating the blood.

You May Like: How Does Alcohol Affect Insulin Resistance

What Types Of Rewards Are Included In The Program

OPI Rewards+ is a tiered e-rewards program where members can access a combination of Express Passes, e-gift cards, and special sweepstakes promotions. Your OPI Rewards+ points add up to unlock higher levels of rewards throughout the year. Login to your OPI Rewards+ account and visit the Track Rewards page to view your next level of rewards.

OPI Rewards+ is an e-rewards program, so be sure to keep your email address updated in order to receive program updates, participate in special promotions, and access your e-rewards.

What If You Get Turned Down For Some Reason To Donate Blood With Diabetes

If you are unable to give blood when you have diabetes, whether due to unmanaged blood sugars, or complications of diabetes, you can still help by donating money to the Red Cross. Your donation will help the Red Cross with providing supplies for blood donation banks, providing support to families in crisis who are in need, and helping to educate people on lifesaving techniques. There are many things that the Red Cross does to help others. Your donation will help them fulfill their mission. 4


Recommended Reading: Which Pancreatic Islet Cell Type Is Responsible For Secreting Insulin

You May Like: Maximum Metformin Dosage

Preparing To Give Blood

  • Do not donate if you are sick
  • Get enough sleep
  • Avoid intense exercise/any major lifting
  • Have a snack
  • Be prepared to disclose any medications you are currently on
  • Eat iron-rich, protein-rich foods
  • Avoid fatty foods, smoking and alcohol
  • Try to relax
  • Avoid any strenuous exercise/activity 24 hours after
  • Continue adding iron-rich foods to your diet if it suits you

How Often Can I Donate Plasma

VERIFY: You can donate blood, but not plasma, after getting COVID-19 vaccine

You can donate twice a week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows 2 donations within a 7-day period, with at least 48 hours between donations. So if you donate on a Monday, you can donate again Wednesday. Drink plenty of water after you donate to help your body replace fluids.

For more on what to do to get your body ready to donate plasma again, visit our Health & Nutrition page.

Read Also: How Much Will 30 Grams Of Carbs Raise Blood Sugar


Is Donating Plasma Painful

Whether the process is painful for you depends on your pain threshold. For some people, donating feels no worse than a pinprick, while others may feel more pain. If the nurse misses the vein or you experience plasma donation side effects, its possible youll experience more pain, but overall, most people report nothing more than mild discomfort.

Is Donating Plasma Safe

Yes. All material that comes in contact with your blood is sterile and used only 1 time for your plasma donation. Our highly trained staff follows strict guidelines to make sure youre comfortable and safe throughout the process. Our plasma centers follow all required U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory standards for plasma donation.

  • Do not donate if you are sick
  • Get enough sleep
  • Avoid intense exercise/any major lifting
  • Have a snack
  • Be prepared to disclose any medications you are currently on
  • Eat iron-rich, protein-rich foods
  • Avoid fatty foods, smoking and alcohol
  • Try to relax
  • Avoid any strenuous exercise/activity 24 hours after
  • Continue adding iron-rich foods to your diet if it suits you

Don’t Miss: Life Expectancy Of Dialysis Patients With Diabetes

Can You Donate Blood If You Are Diabetic

Diabetes, in simple terms, is a health condition when a person suffers from high blood sugar, because the pancreas do not produce sufficient insulin in the body. People who have a total lack of insulin are type 1 diabetes while people who cannot use insulin effectively are type 2 diabetes. It is generally safe for people with diabetes to donate blood under normal health conditions. People with diabetes can donate blood, as long as they maintain healthy blood sugar levels at the time of blood donation, according to Dr Sanjay Reddy, Consultant Diabetologist, Fortis Hospital at Cunningham Road, Bangalore. However, the ones who have used bovine insulin in the past are refrained from donating the blood due to the risk of mad cow disease. Apart from it, if a person has no complications caused by diabetes which has affected their eyes, blood vessels or kidneys, the person is eligible to donate blood. Here are common misconceptions about blood donation.Things a diabetes patient needs to take care of before donating blood:

  • Make sure youve had enough sleep.
  • Eat a healthy meal.

Things a diabetes patient needs to take care of after donating blood:


  • Monitor your blood sugar level.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Include iron-rich foods or a supplement for 24 weeks following your donation.
  • If you feel sick or are concerned about your health after the blood donation, contact your doctor immediately.

Is It Safe To Donate Plasma

Who can give blood

Plasma donation is a safe, comfortable, and relatively easy process for most people who donate.

When you arrive for your appointment, the nurses will make sure youre comfortable and feeling well enough to go through with the donation process.

Once youre all settled in, youll be hooked up to a plasmapheresis machine. This machine works by removing your blood, separating out the plasma, and returning the blood back to your body.

Plasma donations should always be performed in a qualified facility that utilizes sterilized equipment.

Certified nurses will be available before, during, and after the entire procedure to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

Read Also: Elevated Sugar Symptoms

The Decision To Donate

The first time I donated blood was my senior year of high school when I was 17 years old, and I did not have psoriasis at that time.

My chemistry teacher offered extra credit to anyone who signed up to donate. I really wanted to help the community, but to be honest, a little extra credit did sweeten the pot.

What To Expect During Plasma Donation

To donate plasma, you have to be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Youââ¬â¢ll need to get a physical examination and get tested for certain viruses like HIV and hepatitis.

Donating plasma is a little different from donating whole blood. When you donate whole blood, it goes straight into a collection bag and is later separated in a lab. When you donate plasma, the blood thatââ¬â¢s drawn from your arm goes through a special machine to separate the different parts of your blood.

The parts that are left over, including your red blood cells, go back in your body, along with some saline solution. The process usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Show Sources

Read Also: Insulin Growth Factor

Can Type 1 Diabetics Donate Plasma

Type 1 diabetics patients report a high rise of blood glucose level about 3 to 6 days after donating blood. The loss of blood and dehydration could cause this.

People with type 1 diabetes can donate plasma but must ensure proper monitoring of blood sugar levels and eat nourishing food to keep the body healthy. You should also consume more iron and drink more water.

You can give as much blood or plasma as you can every 55-56 days, make sure you keep your diabetes under good control.

How Does Plasma Donation Work

What You Should Know Before Donating Plasma – 5 Helpful Things to Know as a New Plasma Donor

Donating plasma is similar to giving blood. A trained staff member called a phlebotomist puts a sterile needle in your arm vein to draw blood. The blood is then cycled through special, sterile equipment that separates plasma from the other parts of your blood. Your plasma is then collected in a container, while the other parts are safely returned to your body. This process is called plasmapheresis.

Read Also: Is Pasta Bad For Diabetes

Is It Safe For Diabetics To Donate Blood

It is only natural to be concerned about giving blood if you have diabetes.

As a general rule, it is safe for diabetics to donate blood as long as:

  • Your diabetes is under control
  • You are otherwise in good health and you meet the criteria for donating blood

If you plan to give blood, it is sensible to talk to your healthcare provider first to get their perspective and their advice.

What Is Convalescent Plasma

Convalescent refers to anyone recovering from a disease. Plasma is the yellow, liquid part of blood that contains antibodies. Antibodies are proteins made by the body in response to infections. Convalescent plasma from patients who have already recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 may contain antibodies against COVID-19. Giving this convalescent plasma to hospitalized people currently fighting COVID-19 may help them recover. FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to be used in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and is being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19. Based on scientific evidence available, the FDA concluded this product may be effective in treating COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Also Check: Can Diabetics Eat Macaroni And Cheese

Recommended Reading: Insulinemic Index

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles