New data from the American Red Cross shows that 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels, highlighting the widespread presence of prediabetes and diabetes even among seemingly healthy adults.
The organization is launching free screenings for donors who make successful donations during March, alongside a $15 Amazon gift card incentive.
The findings stem from the Red Cross’s inaugural year of offering no-cost A1C testing in 2025, which delivered results to more than 920,000 donors across three periods nationwide. Of those with high readings, 80% fell in the prediabetes range, a state often reversible with diet and exercise adjustments.
“Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like their blood sugar levels,” Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director, said in a news release. “By giving blood and downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better manage and advocate for their health.”
The A1C screening, which measures average blood sugar over three months without requiring fasting, will be available for blood, platelet, and plasma donations throughout March, with one result per donor annually. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, via the Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
All who attempt to donate March 1-31 will receive the gift card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/March.
The effort aligns with Red Cross Month, promoting financial gifts, volunteering, and lifesaving training.
Undiagnosed prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes affect millions, progressing without symptoms but risking stroke, heart disease, and kidney issues if ignored. An American Diabetes Association study notes prediabetes adds a few hundred dollars yearly to medical bills, while full diabetes can inflate costs by thousands, up to 25 times more.
Post-donation, A1C results appear in one to two weeks via the app or online portal at RedCrossBlood.org, with advice to see a doctor for elevated levels. Donors also have access to mini-physical stats, such as blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse, and temperature, for ongoing tracking and sharing with providers.
The Red Cross, the country’s top blood supplier, handling about 40% of the supply, uses its reach to address care disparities through these insights.
Individuals with prediabetes or diabetes can typically donate if feeling well, and most diabetes medications — including GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro, insulin such as Apidra or Humalog, and orals like metformin — do not bar participation.
The nonprofit Red Cross aids disaster victims with shelter, food, and comfort; provides international relief; supports military families and veterans; and offers lifesaving classes, relying on volunteers and public donations—more at redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.
