Can a Diabetic Be a Blood Donor

How to become a blood plasma donor | Plasma donation procedure


Becoming a blood donor means saving the life of another person. This valuable body fluid provides vital activity, therefore, in many cases, healthy people have to become donors. However, those with diabetes are wondering if they can be a blood donor.

In the course of numerous studies, it was determined that diabetes is not a direct obstacle to donation. In this case, the person must independently assess the state of health and take into account the fact that in the body with insulin dependence, this hormone is in increased quantities. Such blood can have a negative effect on another person. A diabetic has an increased level of glucose in the body, if it is transfused to a sick person, this can provoke hyperglycemia in him and harm.

Diabetes is not a direct obstacle to blood donation

Most specialists do not allow the possibility of a blood transfusion for diabetics, as this can cause him health problems, deterioration. You can give this fluid only, as a last resort, to people with type two diabetes, thirty years of age or older.


How to become a blood plasma donor with diabetes

Modern medicine is increasingly faced with the method of transfusion of blood plasma. This material is necessary for all kinds of injuries or during surgical interventions.

Plasma is considered a unique natural material, which is not divided into groups and Rhesus factors, respectively, can be useful for any person. The liquid is 60% of human blood.

This material does not change its chemical composition, even in case of diabetes, or diabetics, donate blood in the form of plasma, in this case it is possible.


Plasma donation procedure – plasmapheresis

Plasma is a yellowish liquid, consisting practically of water. 10% of its composition is proteins, calcium, sodium salts, potassium. It is the main component of blood and it is responsible for the transport of cells and is used for blood transfusion.

Plasma exchange is the process of taking plasma from a patient’s blood. It differs from the usual delivery in that its shaped elements (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets) in this case are returned to the body.

During plasmapheresis, doctors obtain from plasma useful proteins such as:

  • Fibrinogen
  • Globulins.
  • Albumins

These proteins make plasma a unique substance that has no analogues at all.

Blood plasma does not change its chemical composition, even in case of diabetes, so it is possible for diabetics to donate blood in the form of plasma.

In the process of plasma collection, doctors obtain 600 ml of blood from the donor. This volume is quite enough for testing, while depriving such an amount of blood is absolutely safe for humans. Within a day, the body will be fully restored.

In addition, this process not only saves a person’s life, but also carries out the process of purifying the blood of the donor. That is why, type two diabetics have the right to participate in this without harm to their health.

Plasmapheresis removes toxins from the body, improving the general condition of the diabetic. The procedure is absolutely painless, does not cause inconvenience to a person. The plasmapheresis process is performed using special equipment. It can be used only once.

The process is as follows:

  • Blood enters the disposable system.
  • It is filtered.
  • Returns to the patient.
  • 400 ml of plasma is given to the recipient.

In general, the procedure takes 40 minutes of time. Plasma can be stored in the container for up to 24 hours.

If a diabetic wants to become a plasma donor, he needs to contact the Blood Donation Center and provide documentation to the registry.

An employee of the Center will issue a special form to the donor, in which it is necessary to indicate data concerning:

  • infectious diseases
  • chronic diseases
  • contact with people affected by viral infections,
  • use of drugs or psychotropic substances,
  • work area
  • bad habits
  • vaccinations and operations.

After filling out the questionnaire, the donor is sent for a medical examination, during which he is examined by a general practitioner, and the blood goes through a laboratory test. The final decision is made by the transfusiologist, who determines the neuropsychiatric status of the patient.

Before donating the plasma, the donor needs to refrain from smoking, exercise, alcohol.

It is very important to consider that before donating the plasma, the donor needs to refrain from smoking, exercise, alcohol. Doctors recommend drinking more fluids. After plasma donation, it is forbidden to drive.

For 12 months, a healthy person, without harm to the body, has the right to donate up to 12 liters of blood plasma. This procedure is not necessary, but it is worth remembering that blood can save the life of another person. Plasmapheresis will help improve the condition of another, regardless of the level of glucose in the body of a person with type two diabetes.