Donating Blood When You Are Diabetic

[floydgirl]

Hi everybody.

I've always been a blood donor. Last night was the first time I've donated blood since my Diabetic diagnosis. Before my appointment, I had told them I am diabetic and asked if it was ok to donate. They said yes.

After donating last night, I went home and started to feel ill and extremely exhausted. I ate a snack and drank a lot of water, like they suggested. I ended up going to bed early because I was feeling so yucky.

This morning my blood glucose level was at the highest level it has ever been for me. I don't know if it is just a coincidence or if it was related to donating blood.

As of right now, I am not on any meds for diabetes, I am trying to control it through diet and exercise.

I felt so badly last night, that I may never donate blood again.

Anybody have any experiences like this?

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Donating Blood When You Are Diabetic

Hi FG, sorry to hear you were diagnosed with diabetes. I don't have the answer to your question but I think I would ask my doctor about it if I was in your shoes. Good luck!

[plummer925]

Re: Donating Blood When You Are Diabetic

I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes right before Christmas and donated blood about 3 weeks later. I did NOT check my sugar at the time, but I did NOT feel good after. The next day was pretty miserable I seem to recall. I, too, had decided that if that's how I was going to feel, well, I wasn't going to be ABLE to donate again....sigh...

[Coop2004]

Re: Donating Blood When You Are Diabetic

Hey FG,

As MoG stated, you should probably check with your doctor or medical professional. Could it have created a situation like hypoglycemia - possibly, but as you know yourself, only your doctor/medical professional can say with certainty.

Please let us know how you're doing!!