PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Those who roll up their sleeves and donate blood this Red Cross Month can get a free A1C test.
“We are helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors during Red Cross Month by providing that free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes on all successful blood platelet and plasma donations,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania region.
She says diabetes affects about 1 in 10 people in our country, yet nearly a quarter of those living with it have not been diagnosed. And she says 80% of those living with prediabetes were unaware of having it.
“Most people with diabetes have type 2, which is largely preventable and often reversible, but left untreated,” Graham said. “Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure, stroke and heart issues.”
Graham says understanding your health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness and saving lives, and blood donation can be part of that journey.
“The Red Cross, as an organization, values the health and well being of all of our blood donors, and we're committed to providing these generous donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well being, to help bridge existing care gaps in communities across the country.”
Those who opt for the screening can expect to receive test results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross blood donor app or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.