Donating Blood

[artanis_neravar]

Someones comment about donating blood on another topic made me start thinking about why I don't like donating. I think I finally figured it out:

I'm scared that if I donate blood they are going to tell me that I have Diabetes.

Now I have two brothers and a sister, Both of my brothers developed Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago as was my aunt. I was tested when they were diagnosed and I didn't have it, but I'm still worried that I might get it.

I guess my question is:
Am I just being stupid?

 

[Commonly Confused]

I do not think you are being stupid but even if you donate and they tell you that you DO have it, I would think it would be better to know. If it is left untreated, it could get bad. And it is perfectly sound logic to assume that you do not have it, depending on the report the doctor gave to you.

My ex was extremely concerned that he might have Diabetes. We dated for five years and I could never get him to even consider getting checked for it. It was stressful to say the least.

It is ultimately up to you but it would be killing two birds with one stone, so to say, if you do get checked for it.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

 

[zuro64]

To answer your question: Yes you are in my opinion!

I dont know about what tests they do in the US but in Sweden they only check for blood diseases(hepatitis B and C, HIV and syfilis)!
If you do have diabetes then you need to know that BEFORE you go to donate, since last time i checked the test for diabetes is counting your blood sugar with a small blood sample from a finger or such.
Please do correct me if im wrong!

I had to check a list on many diseases and truthfully answer if i had it or might have come in contact with it and stuff like that when i registered to be a blood doner. Now I have to only report what I have done that might "endanger"(so to speak) my blood since last time i donated!

 

[planet.tyler]

Donating blood is always a good idea if you have healthy blood, but as far as I know and I might be wrong, type 2 diabetes is totally avoidable through diet/lifestyle so rather than stress about constantly be proactive and see what steps you can incorporate into day to day life that will prevent you from having to worry in the first place

 

[artanis_neravar]

snip

Diabetes is genetic, and while maintaining a good diet can help reduce the chance of getting it, the fact that both of my brothers developed it, while they were is relatively good shape and health is cause for worry. especially because, with Type 2, it is not uncommon for someone to have it and show none of the symptoms until it turns bad.

snip

I would assume that since recently diagnosed diabetics (ie someone who wouldn't have their blood-glucose level under control yet) are not allowed to donate that they have some way to test it. That being said, I don't necessarily disagree with you about me being stupid.

snip

Did that contribute to him being your ex now (not trying to be judgmental just honestly curious)? And I know I really should find out for sure, not knowing is holding me up from doing somethings, the most important probably being growing some balls and asking this one girl out. But like I said, I'm scared.

 

[Angie7F]

Regardless of donating blood m you should know if you have diabetes or not.
My family has a whole battalion of diabetics and I know that the faster you are aware of it, the easier it is to tame.

 

[Commonly Confused]

Oh no. He had quite a few other problems that he was determined to never seek help for.

I can understand your fear. I guess until you decide that knowing is better than not knowing, there is not much anyone can say. You are already well informed on it so it is just a matter of time.

I am sure most people here would gladly give you encouragement. <:

 

[Galletea]

Not really stupid, I can appreciate your fear but it's always better to know. That way if you have got diabetes then you can take the steps to making your life easier. Chances are there will be nothing to report and you can think of the people you are helping to survive, instead of being paranoid about a disease you may or may not have.

 

[zuro64]

I'm scared that if I donate blood they are going to tell me that I have Diabetes

Ok, this will make me sound like dick but...

Man up and either go register as a doner and ask them about if they test for diabetes or go to a doc and do the test yourself!

"Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere" - Van Wilder

Just my honest opinion!

 

[requisitename]

It's always better to know when the question is about your health. The earlier it's caught, the more likely you are to be able to just take Metformin pills or the like, rather than insulin injections.

 

[Karhukonna]

I guess my question is:
Am I just being stupid?

Oh yes. You're literally trying to not find out if your health is okay. That's just silly. Go see a doctor, get checked and donate some blood for the good cause. Can't go wrong with that.

 

[Zack Alklazaris]

Someones comment about donating blood on another topic made me start thinking about why I don't like donating. I think I finally figured it out:

I'm scared that if I donate blood they are going to tell me that I have Diabetes.

Now I have two brothers and a sister, Both of my brothers developed Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago as was my aunt. I was tested when they were diagnosed and I didn't have it, but I'm still worried that I might get it.

I guess my question is:
Am I just being stupid?

Your suffering from a typical human emotion called denial. You will do anything possible to keep yourself in that safe bubble of denial. My advice: break that bubble! What happens if you don't have diabetes? Then all your worries will evaporate. What if you do have it? Then you can catch it before you die.

All I see is a win/win situation here.