How to Donate Blood With Type 2 Diabetes
Donating blood is one of the most selfless acts a person can perform. By giving blood, you are giving life to someone who is in an emergency room or an intensive care unit. If you have Diabetes Type 2, you can also give blood if you follow a few extra steps.
- Visit your local blood bank and attempt to get pre-qualified before you give blood. Not every person with Diabetes Type 2 is able to give blood. You will be asked several questions about your diabetes, including whether it is controlled and if you have ever used beef insulin. The answers to these and other questions will help the blood bank determine if you qualify for blood donation.
- Prepare yourself to give blood the day before you actually give it. You will need to make sure that you are well hydrated for 24 hours before giving blood. You will also need to eat several good meals. By doing both of these things, you will help protecting yourself from fainting as your blood is being drawn. It will also help keep your sugar from dropping rapidly after the blood has been taken.
- Get up very slowly after your blood has been drawn. Give yourself a couple of minutes to relax before getting off of the bed. It is wise to have someone drive you home from the blood bank. Be sure to test your glucose level regularly throughout the rest of the day to ensure that your sugar does not drop after you have given blood.