WASHINGTON, D.C., - The American Red Cross has revealed that 1 in 5 blood donors in the United States shows elevated A1C levels, indicating prediabetes or diabetes. The findings come from nationwide screening data collected in 2025 and mark a major public health signal among people generally considered healthy enough to donate blood.
The organization announced the results as part of a broader effort to expand preventive health awareness through routine blood donation.
During three testing periods in 2025, the Red Cross provided free A1C screening to more than 920,000 donors nationwide.
Key findings include:
20 percent of donors had elevated A1C levels
Of those with elevated levels, 80 percent had results consistent with prediabetes
A1C testing measures average blood glucose levels over the past three months and does not require fasting
The Red Cross sees approximately 2.5 million blood and platelet donors each year, giving the organization a broad view of potential health trends across the country.
From March 1 to March 31, 2026, all successful donors of blood, platelets, or plasma will again receive a free A1C screening, limited to one result per donor per calendar year.
Donors can access results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the online donor portal.
As part of Red Cross Month, individuals who donate during March will also receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email.
“Each year, the Red Cross sees about 2.5 million blood and platelet donors, giving us a powerful opportunity to influence health outcomes at both the individual and national level,” said Pampee Young, Chief Medical Officer of the American Red Cross.
She emphasized that donors who come forward to help save lives can also gain valuable personal health insights through the screening program.
An A1C level between 5.7 percent and 6.4 percent is consistent with prediabetes. A level of 6.5 percent or higher aligns with diabetes diagnostic criteria.
Prediabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms but can frequently be reversed through lifestyle changes such as improved diet and increased physical activity. Without intervention, it can progress to Type 2 diabetes.
Undiagnosed diabetes and persistently elevated blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
According to data cited in the announcement, individuals whose prediabetes progresses to diabetes may face annual medical costs up to 25 times higher than those without the condition.
Beyond A1C results, blood donors routinely receive measurements of:
Blood pressure
Pulse
Hemoglobin levels
Body temperature
The Red Cross encourages donors with elevated A1C results to consult a health care provider for further evaluation and guidance.
The organization also clarified that people with well managed prediabetes or diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood if they feel well on the day of donation.
Common diabetes treatments, including insulin and oral medications, typically do not disqualify donors.
Reference:
American Red Cross. “Diabetes and Blood Donation.” Red Cross Blood. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/health-assessment/diabetes.html.
(Rh/ARC)
