American Red Cross provides diabetes screening for donors

During the month of March, the American Red Cross performs free A1C diabetes screening tests for all blood, platelet and plasma donors.

You should know that this hemoglobin A1C test used by the Red Cross is FDA cleared and is very important because it measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months. In addition, it is not necessary to fast in order to perform this test.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of the population lacks access to basic primary care services in the United States.

In addition, you should know that diabetes affects one in ten people and nearly a quarter of those with diabetes are undiagnosed.

If we break down the data even further, the rate of people with diabetes is even higher among the Hispanic population, 1.5 times higher, according to reports from the Office of Minority Health.

For this reason, the American Red Cross reminds the population that during this month, it performs the free A1C test.

It is important that you take this into account, because if you want to donate blood you can request this test that aims to remedy this deficit and provide blood donors with important information to take care of their health and well-being.

As you know, this March A1C testing program is part of the Red Cross’ long-standing community outreach efforts, which also include disaster relief initiatives such as basic health and mental health services, among other types of assistance.

According to the CDC, more than 38 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and 8.7 million people in the U.S. have undiagnosed diabetes.

The Red Cross also notes that the impact is especially troubling for Hispanics and Latinos, who are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and 50% more likely to die from the disease than non-Hispanic white Americans.

Another major problem is that Hispanics and Latino Americans with diabetes are also less likely to receive the preventive care needed to avoid serious diabetes-related health complications.

You should remember that by donating blood with the Red Cross, donors not only provide life-saving blood products, but also gain access to valuable health information, including pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels, allowing them to take greater control of their health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of people living with diabetes in the United States have type 2, an insulin-resistant condition that is largely preventable and often reversible, and can cause dangerously high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as kidney failure, stroke and heart problems.

Since the beginning of March, the Red Cross has been testing successful donors for A1C for the month. Donors will receive their test results in one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor app or online donor portal, and are encouraged to consult their health care provider if their glycosylated hemoglobin level is elevated.

It is very important that if you want to donate blood, visit CruzRojaAmericana.org to schedule your blood donation appointment in March and learn more about your health while helping to save lives.

In addition, you can make a financial donation on Red Cross Solidarity Day, March 26, to support people with disaster services such as emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic medical care, emotional support and financial assistance. Both efforts are part of Red Cross Month activities during March.