Can a diabetic donate blood?
Diabetes is NOT always a contraindication for blood donation. Most likely, you CAN donate blood if you have diabetes. Usually, those with type two who are well-controlled on oral medication and/or diet can donate blood. Those with type one who are well-controlled can usually donate only if their insulin dose has not recently changed AND they have not used bovine insulin from the UK since 1980 due to the risk for CJD. The idea that one can catch diabetes or hyperglycemia from blood donated by someone with diabetes is a myth. Here is a link for more information: http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/m… Please note that Canada and the UK may have different guidelines.
