Complimentary testing empowers blood donors with vital insights into their diabetes risk | LifeSouth Community Blood Centers donors can discover their risk for diabetes through a unique opportunity. Now through Sunday, August 31, LifeSouth will offer complimentary A1c testing to all blood donors, giving donors the chance to learn if they may have pre-diabetes or diabetes and more about their health.
The A1c test measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, alerting individuals to their diabetes risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults have prediabetes, and more than eight in 10 people are unaware. Early detection through A1c testing and discussing results with a primary care provider can help mitigate serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney failure and vision loss.
“Offering hemoglobin A1c testing to all blood donors gives us a chance to help our communities take charge of their health and learn if they are at risk for prediabetes and diabetes,” said Dr. Chris Lough, Vice President of Medical Services at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. “Early detection is key, and knowing your A1c can help you learn more about your health and make early changes to help prevent disease progression.”
Blood donors can monitor their test results with each donation through the LifeSouth donor portal.
LifeSouth remains committed to the wellbeing of blood donors and the communities they serve. By donating blood with LifeSouth, donors help patients in local hospitals including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Blood donated with LifeSouth directly helps patients at these hospitals.
To find a blood drive or donor center, visit lifesouth.org. In addition to A1c testing, all blood donors receive a mini physical including cholesterol screen, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin level and temperature.
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About LifeSouth Community Blood Centers:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org or donatingblood.org.
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