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    • 1 hour, 44 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      Being on Medicare and required to see my Endo. every three months, my next appointment is made prior to departure from my Endo's office.
    • 1 hour, 44 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      If I were not on Medicare, it would be difficult to get an appointment within 3 months, even in an emergency. In an emergency, they would assign me a nurse practitioner to see. It is possible to contact them through their "portal." Whether I get a timely response depends on whether there is a reliable nurse to respond.
    • 1 hour, 59 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      When I saw my endo a year ago, I wasn't able to make an appointment 6 months later because all available appointments were fully booked. I have to see her CDE who has more availability in order to meet Medicare requirements for quarterly visits. Many, many healthcare providers in my area burned out and quit during Covid. I injured my knee badly last June and can't get a consult with an orthopedic surgeon until May due to the backlog of people needing help. I'm on crutches until then. My sports medicine doctor stopped practicing medicine last month. Our healthcare system is in crisis with no solution in sight.
    • 2 hours, 1 minute ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      On hold or actually talking about the issue and calling back to ensure someone follow's up as everyone seems to be over their head. Honestly, it varies. It can take considerable time just to raise the visibility of an issue, then the follow up can take weeks/months and patience to resolve. Another problem is patients without the cognitive skills for follow-up. These days i doubt anyone pays attention to them.
    • 4 hours, 21 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      I try to make my appointment for my next appointment when I check out. The scheduler always asks maki g it easier to remember. If I was to forget there would be a wait to get back int the rotation.
    • 11 hours, 30 minutes ago
      Greg Felton likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      Before the onslaught of Type 2 Diabetes, I, as a T1D, could get an appointment almost anytime I needed one. Now, I cannot get an appointment within 3 months, which is the time within I must see rhe doctor for Medicare benefits. My doctor cancelled 2 (half ) of my sppointments last year. Caused ma a lot of problems. I live in Florida, a place where modern medicine does not seem to have reached yet.
    • 11 hours, 30 minutes ago
      Greg Felton likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      I routinely see my Endo every three months. At the end of my appointment I schedule the next quarterly meeting date. But if I ever have to reschedule it, then it takes anywhere from two to four weeks to find a time that works for us.
    • 13 hours, 27 minutes ago
      Mike S likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      It all depends on the urgency of my needs. I’ve gotten in the next day before, but those days may be gone! It also depends on who I see. But these days, even the PA is often booked. Of course, cancellations happen, so that can be a factor as well.
    • 13 hours, 43 minutes ago
      Jeff Marvel likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      The beginning of the year is always a bit iffy when you're on Medicare. Even though I've already paid my annual deductible, my pharmacy can't see that, so I must wait until it shows up on my Medicare account before I order new insulin. I always try to have plenty of insulin on hand at the end of December so it's not an issue. The organization I get my pump equipment from has a lot they must do because of Medicare, as well, and that can get time consuming. All-in-all, I'm lucky to have the time, energy and patience to deal with it, and I know up front these time-consuming moments are to be expected. If I wasn't retired, it'd be more of an issue.
    • 1 day ago
      Gerald Oefelein likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I selected 6 hours. So far, I have spent 6 weeks trying to get a new pump. I decided to look for a new pump in mid-December as my 770G warranty expired on January 3. I wanted to go hoseless with the Omnipod and the Dexcom 6. I contacted Dexcom and they sent me to the medical distribution company ASPN, and they could do the Omnipod but only with pharmacy part D with the Dexcom 6 sensor on DME My part D pharmacy plan had Omnipod as tier 6. $155.56 co pay and $150/month. The omnypod is not available as DME. I called INSULET the mfgr of omnipod. They told me they only supply via pharmacy plan to get more T2d's to sign up. Verses 100% DME coverage, part D coverage that was a non-starter. I contacted another supply company CCSmed. They could do both Dexcom 6 and tslim x2. Ineeded a Endo visit to get the notes and Rx. I had my Endo visit on Jan 20. Still waiting for CVSmed. Been waiting for 5 weeks now. Just called CCSmed and they got the endo notes and Rx but Medicare wanted to know who paid for my 770G 4 years ago. Fortunately, that was private/company. My new pump should now ship tomorrow. Finally.
    • 1 day, 4 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Most of the 3-4 hours is way ting on a phone
    • 1 day, 4 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
      The resources I use in managing my glucose levels once sick is my own personal experience after living with t1d for 46 years
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Switching to Medicare has created (seemingly) endless hours and day making this transition with all things diabetes related. We’re still in the midst of making this ā€˜delightful’ change. This week we learned that Medicare covers Either CGM stuff OR glucose test strips. Thank goodness that God is sovereign over all these details. He helps me walk through these challenges without despair.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      The last 3 months have been filled with frustrating phone calls now that I switched back to traditional Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan. I have been fighting to get strips authorized in addition to CGM- they did not authorize them because I had no proof that I had a meter!! Crazy making! I had to write an appeal letter in order to get them, but finally got it worked out. I also had some pump replacement issues, trouble getting insulin, etc.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Much too much time! Part of it, I know, is my own fault, for not keeping anxiety at bay when I have to sort out which plan will work best, annually. But it is something I dread, every single year. When I call to get some help understanding, the people are almost always very nice, but I have had times when the information was incorrect or not explained clearly. I usually commiserate with the person on the phone for having such an annoying system, and agreement seems to rule the day. But I never chose to make sorting out insurance management a career!
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I selected 6 hours. So far, I have spent 6 weeks trying to get a new pump. I decided to look for a new pump in mid-December as my 770G warranty expired on January 3. I wanted to go hoseless with the Omnipod and the Dexcom 6. I contacted Dexcom and they sent me to the medical distribution company ASPN, and they could do the Omnipod but only with pharmacy part D with the Dexcom 6 sensor on DME My part D pharmacy plan had Omnipod as tier 6. $155.56 co pay and $150/month. The omnypod is not available as DME. I called INSULET the mfgr of omnipod. They told me they only supply via pharmacy plan to get more T2d's to sign up. Verses 100% DME coverage, part D coverage that was a non-starter. I contacted another supply company CCSmed. They could do both Dexcom 6 and tslim x2. Ineeded a Endo visit to get the notes and Rx. I had my Endo visit on Jan 20. Still waiting for CVSmed. Been waiting for 5 weeks now. Just called CCSmed and they got the endo notes and Rx but Medicare wanted to know who paid for my 770G 4 years ago. Fortunately, that was private/company. My new pump should now ship tomorrow. Finally.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      The beginning of the year is always a bit iffy when you're on Medicare. Even though I've already paid my annual deductible, my pharmacy can't see that, so I must wait until it shows up on my Medicare account before I order new insulin. I always try to have plenty of insulin on hand at the end of December so it's not an issue. The organization I get my pump equipment from has a lot they must do because of Medicare, as well, and that can get time consuming. All-in-all, I'm lucky to have the time, energy and patience to deal with it, and I know up front these time-consuming moments are to be expected. If I wasn't retired, it'd be more of an issue.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I said 8+ and the reason, as for so many others, can be summed up in a phrase: transitioning to Medicare.
    • 1 day, 6 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      I’m a reasonably satisfied MDI user with Lantus and Fiasp. I’ve looked into getting a pump but honestly, until I find one that does everything I want, I’ll probably hold off. My wish list for a pump: 1) no tubes 2) works well with Fiasp 3) controls that allow me to stay at my target of 70-90 mg/dl all night long.
    • 1 day, 6 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      MDI for the past 60 years and do not see any alternative that I would prefer. The needles for my pens are so thin and sharp that they are painless (a far cry from the lancets I once used). chiefly, I am glad not to have to deal with setting up a pump and. Although I love my libre, I am not good candidate for having devices affixed to me. If my insulin delivery got interrupted they way i have interrupted my cgm service, I would have been in trouble. Furthermore, I have a track record of having both mechanicall and electronic things malfunction. (Seriously, I sometimes act as a beta-tester for technology folks. Maybe I push to many buttons?)
    • 1 day, 6 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      I've had Tandem x2 and Dexcom since September. Previously on Medtronic for around 15 years. Grew to HATE the sensors and switched before the warranty on my last Medtronic was up. So far, I absolutely LOVE the Tandem and the Dexcom. I'm disappointed, however, in the amount of waste and plastic that this pair creates. Of course there will always be plastic waste from any pumps/sensors, but the amount of non-reusable stuff for insertions is ghastly.
    • 1 day, 6 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      Have your doctor prescribe the syringes with .5 unit increments instead of the 1 unit syringes. Not quite a .1 unit which you are hoping for, but .5 is better than 1 unit increments.
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
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    Have you ever donated blood while living with T1D? Share your experiences in the comments!

    Home > LC Polls > Have you ever donated blood while living with T1D? Share your experiences in the comments!
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    46 Comments

    1. Leona Hanson

      They won’t take my blood because I’m RH- blood it is rare that there’s only 35 people in the world has it.my blood can’t be used on anyone esei can’t even receive o blood

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Annie Wall

        It’s exactly the opposite! RH- is the universal red cell donor blood. Anyone with RH positive can receive either RH+ or RH- blood. They want RH- blood donors for that 15% who have RH- blood because we can receive only RH- blood. The Red Cross often publishes that they have a RH- shortage.

        Leona, whoever told you that was absolutely wrong. They need your RH- blood!

        Google this and read what the Red Cross has to say and give blood again if you want to!

        2
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Ceolmhor

        This is just an idle curiosity question, but with those transfusion limitations, have you ever considered having your own blood stored in case *you* ever need it?

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Meghan Larson

      I will be donating blood for the first time next week!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Sasha Wooldridge

      I stopped trying because they always told me I couldn’t if I was diabetic! I considered lying but I wasn’t positive why it mattered and I didn’t want to inadvertently endanger anyone they might give my blood to. I’ll be looking into this and will start donating again.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Kaylea Bowers

        Whoever is telling you this is completely wrong! T1Ds can donate no problem. Only concern would be if you ever used bovine insulin, but that’s unlikely and what most of us use is synthetic

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Lawrence Stearns

      I have attempted to donate blood on two occasions. I was turned away twice, not because of my T1D, but because of another health condition. Such a shame, because I would like to donate.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Beckett Nelson

      I’ve donated once, since we just became able to donate as type 1s here in Canada. I just went to donate again on Friday, but was denied because I’m anemic right now *curses*

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. John McQuaid

      I used to donate regularly, Until when they started asking about Mad Cow disease. I can’t swear that I never used Beef insulin, even though I cannot remember ever buying it. But because there is a remote chance that I used insulin made from beef, they won’t let me donate blood.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. George Lovelace

      It took months and a little help from my Endo and the Medical Director of the local Carter Blood Center finally approved me. to donate. I made 2 draws of whole blood and came off taking aspirin and got on to the Apheresis Platelet donation team. I donated for several years and got my “12 Gallon” Pin

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. aude bandini

      I wanted to, but was told that PWT1D could not donate blood.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Kaylea Bowers

        That’s 100% false! I donate regularly. You should ask someone else ā˜ŗļø The only concern I think is if you used one of the suuuuper old forms of bovine insulin.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Kaylea Bowers

      I donate regularly every 8 weeks šŸ™‚

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Janice B

      I tend to have anemia so I am not able to give blood….nothing to do with T1D

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Joan Fray

      I used to donate regularly 1965 to 1977. Then i began to have consistently low iron, so my blood bank told me not to bother. Nothing about beef insulin, but I probably got both pork and beef in the 60-s…….

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Steve Gold

      never have. Now that they will take blood from Type 1 diabetics i would.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Derek West

      I was told I could not donate because I am Type 1, and I have not tried since, but that was 40 years ago!
      Maybe time to try again.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Sahran Holiday

      O negative. Donated previously and lost consciousness each time. Could and will donate in a hospital setting.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. rick phillips

      I would do it in a heartbeat. However for about 30 years I could not because of insulin. Now it is because of RA meds. But yes give me a chance and I am all in.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Diane McEniry

      I tried to donate last year when blood supplies got low during the pandemic. I was diagnosed in 1977 and could not remember if my insulin at that time was pork or bovine. I think it was pork but because of the chance it could have been bovine, they would not take it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Julie Blehm

        Diane, I have had The same experience. I was diagnosed in 1973 and was donated blood prior to that. First the reason was I was using syringes. When that became allowed then I could not get up because I had initially been on beef pork insulin

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Steve Rumble

      I donated blood long ago with out problems and then could no longer donate because I could not confirm that I had not used beef insulin after 1980? Rules changed and I am now donating plasma about every 4 weeks with no impact on my T1D.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. LuckyPineapple

        Really?? I’d love to give plasma but they won’t let me because of the diabetes

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Jneticdiabetic

      Before having kids, I used to donate platelets regularly. They wouldn’t take whole blood donations from T1Ds at the time, but from the other comments, sounds like this has changed. When I tried donating platelets after having kids, I was told I needed to have a special antibody test done first. This is a good reminder to follow-up on that.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Stephen Woodward

      It is so sad to see the comments that say that T1D can’t donate. This is a medical myth that needs to be stopped. Other than the non T1D related things that keep someone from donating, there currently is no medical reason that a T1D cannot donate blood.

      Go for it, everyone!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Karington Johnston

      I didn’t weigh enough to donate blood until after I was diagnosed with type 1! You do need to have your bg under control to donate, but I probably donate at least once a year now!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Vicki Breckenridge

      TID for 37 years. I was unable to donate for about 3 years because of uncertainty of safety with non animal sourced insulin. Fortunately in Iowa they changed the ruling if you had never had animal insulin you could donate. I’m a 6 gallon donor!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Janis Senungetuk

      The Red Cross turned me down when I attempted to donate in 2011 because I had used beef/pork insulin from 1955 until 1980.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. M C

      Where I live, it is not allowed.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Brett Crystal

      While I was initially told after diagnosis by a family friend who was a nurse that I could not donate with T1D, I was then given the correct information and began donating as much as possible. As I have enjoyed the act of donating and being able to use my tolerance for needles in a good way, I made it a lifelong goal to one day break the world record for the most blood donations.
      Thus far, I have made a total of 302 blood/platelet/plasma donations!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Adrienne Hitch

      When I was diagnosed in 1974. I was told I wouldn’t be able to donate blood but could donate plasma. Fast forward to after 2005 – tried to donate plasma, told them at the beginning of the application process that I was Diabetic. Got all the way thru the process but then was asked why I took insulin (!) and that I couldn’t donate plasma due to the fact I was diabetic,
      Couple of years later, tried to donate blood but because I couldn’t remember if I had taken beef insulin in my early years I was denied. Haven’t tried since.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Molly Jones

      With all the medications I take for multiple autoimmune conditions, my blood is not desired. I also live in the US, but a spent time in Ireland during mad cow disease. I don’t think anyone wants the possibility of CJD.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Andrea Rueff

      I try to Donate every 6 weeks but I live in Kingsville, TX and the blood mobile doesn’t get here very much. I don’t have a car which having a car I could travel for the donation. The last donation has been 3+ months because I had a bad bout with Hydrocephalus and I had a Brain Surgery on April 16, 2021 and my Neurosurgeon asked me not to donate until he releases me. I man doing very well but I still have some time before I can donate again. I have Type 1 Diabetic and I have had it for over 30 years. Taking well care of yourself it does give it back to you. I have so many problems and I am on Disability due to a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2013 and the doctor told my sister that I had 98% Brain dead. I am having some issues but donations I have been doing this ever since I was 16. Donating is good for everyone.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. KSannie

      Diabetics could not give blood way back when I was diagnosed. In 1991 my family moved to England. When we returned in 2006, evidently diabetics were now allowed to give blood. But our lengthy stay in England meant no one in the family will ever be allowed to give blood again. They are afraid of Creutzfeld-Jacob disease from the Mad Cow disease that occurred in Britain for a couple of years. However, the incidence of Creutafeld-Jacob disease is no higher in the UK than in the U.S. So this is a ridiculous prohibition. What is even more ridiculous is that it only applies to people who were in the UK more than 6 months. Let me tell you, British beef was awful, so we never ate any. But a tourist visiting for a couple of weeks could eat fast food burgers there a dozen times and still be allowed to donate blood upon their return to the U.S. As others have commented, I have been tempted to lie, but I figure the U.S. doesn’t deserve my family’s blood!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. KarenM6

      I tried a few times, but they always deny me because I used beef/pork derived insulin until 1996.
      So, like others, the first time I tried, I was denied because of being Type 1… the rest are mad cow concerns.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Wanacure

      Some places are afraid a diabetic will pass out during or after the donation due to low bg. When I was hard up as a youth, I sometimes sold my blood. That was before any knowledge of mad cow disease. A research lab a couple of years ago was buying blood at $125/pint if you qualified with certain antibodies or blood characteristics after a small sample was taken. I qualified, but when the tech took my pulse it was ā€œtoo low.ā€ At that time I was aerobic swimming 3 to 4 times a week, so of course my resting pulse and bp were lower than ā€œaverage American.ā€ I tried to explain the beneficial aspects of doing aerobics, but the tech feared I would pass out due to low bp! I no longer sell/donate blood or plasma even just for lab research. Since mad cow awareness, and since I injected beef/pork insulin, I don’t want to endanger anybody’s health. And I very seldom eat beef, pork, chicken, or turkey meat anymore. I get protein from yoghurt, kefir, nuts, seeds, eggs, cheese, salmon (Alaska, wild-caught) or sardines every day.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Amy Schneider

      For many years I understood I couldn’t donate as a T1D. Then when my congregation did a drive, it turned out I was eligible. I’ve donated regularly since then except for last year due to COVID.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. LizB

      I was excited when I found out I could donate. I donated several times but then I kept failing the hemoglobin check. They really wanted my Type O blood and would call me constantly. I went back a few times and failed every time so I asked to be removed from their call list. When I mentioned it to the NP at my endo’s office she said, “Oh yeah, you’ve been slightly anemic for awhile” but she had never told me! My current PCP has told me to start taking an iron supplement.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. james murphy

        I use to fail the Iron level but then it was just a simple thing of not drinking tea in the morning i was giving blood. I did not think this was it but it was simple. So now i am back on schedule every 60 days.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. Ken Raiche

      I’ve been doing it for years and I like to help out if and when I can. That said I wanted to donate bone marrow to help in a good cause but no such luck because of my condition and the risks, there’s no harm in trying but if the risk is way to high then so be it. Hence the blood giving.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. Megan W

      I donated once while in high school. However, afterward I was sitting at a table drinking the recommended juice (my BS wasn’t low) and passed out. I then was dizzy and puking for 24 hours. So, I haven’t donated since.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. John B. Welsh

      I have donated about 8 gallons lifetime, but a couple of years ago the blood bank gave me an updated set of questions that included one about injection drug use. Of course I use injection drugs every day. The blood bank put me on a permanent deferral list (a lifetime ban) because in the early 1980s I was using beef insulin from Eli Lilly, and couldn’t guarantee that the cows were all from the US. The blood bank apparently thought that my blood could transmit mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) from British cows. No more blood donations because of a dumb (IMHO) question from the blood bankers.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Siri Lachmansingh

      Yes! I just did for the first time two weeks ago. I found out that as long as you have well controlled blood sugars, donating blood as a type 1 diabetic is fine! The people at the donation center never even asked if I was diabetic and it was not one of the qualifying questions. I have yet to see where my donation has gone but knowing that I can donate in the future is great!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Bekki Weston

      As a LADA (dx 7 yrs ago), I’d already been donating for years. Found no “exclusion” on the in-take questionnaire, so I’m still at it. By the end of the year, I’ll have 100 donations to my name. I encourage all to check again if you were previously told NO, as there seems to be a lot of mis-information out there.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Jeff Perzan

      I have donated UNTIL returning from living abroad in France for 3 years (decades ago). Have been banned since they say it’s because of the possibility of having been exposed to mad cow disease.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. Marie Seymour-Green

      I do donate, but they always have trouble finding a “good” vein. I always end up getting bruises from the probing for a vein and the little circular, metal thing that is pressed into my skin to mark the location of the vein. Sometimes the machine keeps alarming because the bag is filling up too slow or not filling at all, or something. Then you are in danger of the blood being tossed because there is not enough in the bag. 😐 Argh.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    Have you ever donated blood while living with T1D? Share your experiences in the comments! Cancel reply

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