Coming from Canada, where you're not allowed to donate blood as a type-1 diabetic, I have learned that the US has no such restrictions. I earnestly believe that we should all donate if we are able to. After all, you never know when it might be you in the hospital in need of a blood transfusion!
Have you donated blood before? If so, what special considerations and precautions should be taken as a diabetic?
In the US you can as long as you've never taken beef insulin. They say it's a risk for developing mad cow disease?!? Since that's the only insulin that was available in the 1970's when I was diagnosed, I can't give blood now.
Only donate if your A1c is decent. Red blood cells live for 2-3 months and reflect blood sugars over that time period.
T1 since 1977 Minimed pump since 2002
My A1c's great, and I've never taken beef insulin (only been diagnosed for about 2.5 years, now). So, I should be fine. Thanks for the tips and considerations! It's invaluable!