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 (cattle-derived) 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 you’ve had enough sleep.
• Eat a healthy meal.
• Drink sufficient water.

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.

More Coverage:

• Thehealthsite.com

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