Submitted by: Anastassia Robert, American Red Cross Intern

 

Being informed about our health is key to preventing chronic illness and saving lives. The American Red Cross is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet, and plasma donations in March. The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being.

Prediabetes and diabetes can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease that often develops early in life, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are often linked to lifestyle factors. There are steps individuals can take to lower their risk of developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. In the early stages of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, individuals may experience lightheadedness, tiredness, increased appetite or thirst, and frequent urination. However, most people in the early stages have no symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important.

 

How Testing Works

The A1C test is one of the most common blood tests used to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin – the oxygen-carrying molecule inside the red blood cells – that is linked to glucose. This test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months. A high A1C level may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. This test can also help track how well blood sugar is managed in people with known diabetes. With the health insights provided, individuals can seek further care from their medical provider to learn how to manage their blood sugar levels.

 

Early Detection is Crucial

 

With more than 38 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes, and about 90% of cases being Type 2 diabetes, awareness and early detection are crucial.

Prediabetes typically has no symptoms and is very common in the U.S., with approximately a third of all Americans affected. Insulin resistance – and prediabetes – is often reversible through lifestyle changes and/or medications.

Given that the Red Cross provides blood donors with information regarding pulse, blood pressure, temperature readings and hemoglobin levels, blood drives are an important way for people to regularly access their basic health information.

 

This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, among other assistance such as disaster relief efforts and mental health services.

Red Cross donors can expect to receive the results of their A1C testing within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or in their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org.

Schedule an appointment to donate today through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.