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Can You Donate Plasma If Your Diabetic


Regardless Of Diabetes You Absolutely Cannot Donate If

DONATING PLASMA: Learn STEP-BY-STEP How You Can Donate Plasma To Make Extra Money Today!
  • You are sick with a cold, flu, infection, etc.
  • You have low iron levels
  • Youve gotten a tattoo within the past year
  • You weigh less than 110 pounds
  • You are under 17 years old
  • You have ever used recreational intravenous drugs or steroids;
  • Youve received a new piercing on your body within the past year
  • You have cancer
  • Youve given birth within the last 6 weeks;
  • Youre being treated for postpartum medical issues
  • Youve received a blood transfusion within 1 year
  • Youve undergone surgery recently
  • You have HIV/Aids

Frequency And Other Considerations

According to FDA regulations, you can donate plasma up to twice per week — but not 2 days in a row. The American Red Cross has different stipulations, stating you can donate plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times per year 15. Check with your donation center regarding its requirements about frequency of plasma donation 1. Plasma donations can occur more frequently than donations of whole blood because your body is able to replace plasma more quickly than blood cells.

Too Frequent Donations May Impact Quality

But research suggests that frequent donations may negatively impact the quality of the plasma. This may be due to limitations in the bodys ability to quickly regenerate important components of the plasma.

In a 2010 study , researchers investigated and compared the plasma quality of donations from various countries.

They found that in the United States, plasma from people who donated more frequently and in higher volumes was significantly lower in total protein, albumin, and other blood markers.


Whether its to help fight against COVID-19 or to add an extra stream of income, plasma donation, especially frequent donation, should always be done under the supervision of your doctor.

Your doctor can review your medical history, keep a close eye on your blood tests, and let you know the safest way to donate your plasma.

Although people of all blood types can donate plasma, AB plasma donations are among the most important. This is because AB plasma is universal, meaning that it can be administered to patients of all blood types.

In addition, a type of plasma called may be able to be donated by people who have recovered from a disease.

Once donated, this antibody-containing plasma may be used as a potential disease treatment option for infected individuals.


Convalescent plasma has been researched as a potential treatment option for COVID-19, but has been a source of controversy in the medical community.

Not everyone is eligible to donate blood or plasma.

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Can People With Diabetes Donate Blood

Donating blood once or on a regular basis saves lives. Just one session of blood donation can impact many lives but as a person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may wonder: do they want my blood, too?

Does the American Red Cross want blood from a person with diabetes if their blood sugars arent perfect? If you have diabetes-related complications? If you have other conditions, like a thyroid disorder or Celiac disease or high cholesterol?


Lets take a closer look at the rules and guidelines of blood donation for people with diabetes.

What Types Of Rewards Are Included In The Program

Can I Sell/ You Donate Plasma If You Have Diabetes ...

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Donating Blood With Type 1 Diabetes

Editors Note:;Get continuous updates about the coronavirus pandemic ;here.


According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone needs blood. We all know that donating blood is a worthy thing to do. But the donation of blood assumes a cooperative body and a donation system that will accept the blood running through your veins.

So what does that mean for those with T1D? Many are under the assumption that a diagnosis means they cant donate. Wrong. For the most part, giving blood is an option, but it does depend on the following:

  • Where you live
  • What type of insulin you are taking

What About Bovine Insulin And Donating Blood

What’s this stuff about bovine or beef insulin? Did you know that insulin used to come from the ground up pancreases of cows and pigs? Ewww, gross, right? Thankfully, smart scientists figured out how to grow human insulin in the lab using E. coli bacteria and yeasts in the early 80s and quit making purified pancreas smoothies. By the mid-80s, lab-grown human insulins were in wide use across most of North America and Europe.

If youve had diabetes long enough, you probably remember using beef or pork insulin before switching to one of the human varieties. In the case of donating blood, its an important detail.

If you used porcine insulin, you can donate. If you used bovine insulin anytime after 1980, you aren’t allowed to donate.


This donor exclusion rule is related to a variant of mad cow disease, and you can read more here. Theres no test in humans to screen blood donors for this and protect the blood supply, so all possible sources of introduction have to be eliminated, no matter how small the risk.

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Side Effects Of Donating Plasma

Donating plasma can have side effects that are typically minor, but if its your first time donating, you may wish to have a ride home, just in case. Bruising and nerve irritation are among the most common, usually around the injection site. It may have mild swelling, which can be treated with cold packs. Nerve irritation causes immediate, intense pain at the injection site and can cause shooting pain down the arm and into the hand. If this happens, alert the technician theyll immediately remove the needle. This should eliminate the stabbing pain, although some mild discomfort may remain for a day or two afterward.

More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting. Some people experience this as a result of fear of needles or having blood drawn. Other possible side effects include sweating and paleness, weakness, sudden warmness, or nausea or vomiting. Dizziness and blurred or tunnel vision may also occur.

More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting.


If a mild reaction occurs, the donation is typically paused, calcium may be given to you to eliminate these side effects of donating plasma. However, with a severe citrate reaction, the donation process is halted. You may need emergency attention.

What Is Convalescent Plasma

I Had to Stop Donating Plasma. Here’s Why.

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.

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Can Diabetic People Donate Blood

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration does not have any regulatory restrictions against diabetics donating blood other than if the individual has received bovine source insulin since 1980. The concern here is not the diabetes but rather the bovine spongiform encephalopathy. As bovine source insulins were not widely available in the US, the diabetic would have had to specifically import it from Europe. Donors may mistake this deferral as being due to their having diabetes. Here is the FDA guidance (Each blood collection center in the US can have criteria more stringent that either the FDA and AABB so there is some variability among blood centers. At the collection center where I work, we allow donors with diabetes, whether controlled with diet, oral hypoglycemics, or insulin, to donate. The only instance where I can think where diabetes would have a negative affect on blood product and therefore an adverse effect on the patient would be in the rare instances where we collect granulocytes. If the donor had poor glucose control, this could impair neutrophil function. Since granulocyte donors are usually stimulated with corticosteroids, which would worsen glucose control, diabetics are deferred from granulocyte donation at my institution so this is not an issue.Continue reading >>

What Can Disqualify You From Donating Plasma

If youre interested in donating plasma, requirements exist for a rigorous screening as part of the plasma donation process. Part of the reason that the screening process exists is to protect those receiving the donations, many of whom have compromised health. It also ensures that the donors themselves are in good enough physical health to avoid the side effects of donating plasma.


The requirements for donating plasma are fairly consistent. You must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 110 pounds, and have a valid ID. Do they drug test you before donating plasma? Not generally people who take certain prescription drugs, show signs of injectable drug use, or are visibly intoxicated are not allowed to donate plasma.;

Part of the reason that the screening process exists is to protect those receiving the donations, many of whom have compromised health.

Certain health conditions also prevent you from donating, such as pregnancy or recent childbirth. If youve had dental work in the past 72 hours, youll be deferred. Also, if youve received the MMR vaccine or had chickenpox in the past month or taken antibiotics orally in the past 2448 hours or by injection in the past 72 hours, youre also deferred.

Also Check: What Is A Normal A1c For A Non Diabetic

How Does Plasma Donation Work

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.


Is It Safe For Me To Donate Blood

Can People with Diabetes Donate Blood?

If you have diabetes and want to donate blood, its generally safe for you to do so. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are eligible to give blood donations. You should have your condition under control and be in otherwise good health before you donate blood.

Having your diabetes under control means that you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This requires you to be vigilant about your diabetes on a daily basis. You need to be aware of your blood sugar levels throughout each day and make sure you eat a proper diet and exercise sufficiently. Living a healthy lifestyle will contribute to keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help manage your diabetes. These medications shouldnt impact your ability to donate blood.

If you want to donate blood but are concerned about your diabetes, talk to your doctor before your donation. They can answer any questions you may have and help you determine whether this is the best option for you.

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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.

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.

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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

What You Should Do If You Have Diabetes And Want To Donate Blood:

Red Cross Plasma Donation Explained by Medical Student
  • Check with your physician ahead of time to ensure he/she agrees with your decision to donate based on your current management.
  • Have well-managed glucose levels, if you have had a difficult time with management leading up to donation it is recommended to wait until levels are more stable
  • Monitor BG heading into the donation blood with larger amounts of glucose does not store/keep well after donation
  • Plan to bring a list of your medications outside of insulin/oral meds
  • Plan to discuss other health conditions and medication used for treatment
  • To prepare for donation:
  • Be well hydrated with water
  • Be well rested

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If Youve Ever Taken Bovine Insulin

While todays modern insulins are all acceptable, a specific type of older insulin will automatically exclude you.


Donors with diabetes who since 1980, ever used bovine insulin made from cattle from the United Kingdom are not eligible to donate, explains the American Red Cross.

The concern with bovine insulin is about a CJD variant and mad cow disease.;;

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.


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For Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

Some patients with type 1 diabetes report higher blood sugar levels during the few days after donating blood. This could be related to hydration levels since becoming dehydrated can easily raise your blood sugar.;

This means its extra important that you drink plenty of water after donating blood as a person with diabetes.

How Often Can You Donate Blood

Why Can T Diabetics 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.

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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.

Can Donating Blood Lower Your A1c

Keeping the A1C levels in margins is crucial to judge your overall diabetic performance and record your everyday blood sugar management. But does donating blood affect it in any way?

Well, it is noted that after donating blood, your A1C may have falsely lowered values. It is nothing to worry about as it not a perfect observation and is affected only temporarily.

Although your A1C levels may look low, it is out of danger. You would be under no health risks and can carry on with your diabetes management regularly.

Your A1C records are lower because after donating blood, the blood loss is immediately refilled by the body. This brings in the cell turnover giving rise to new Red Blood Cells in the body.

With newer cells in the blood, these have an unaffected record. Thus, these non-glycosylated cells color the overall A1C reports.

Over time, these new cells will eventually get glycosylated, and your A1C will again show up as normal like it used to be.

You can even talk to doctors about your donation and A1C levels for more safety in these lines. They will be able to carry out respective tests to ensure that everything is okay. Moreover, they may even have other advice that is specific to your diabetic health conditions.

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