Diabetes affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of serious complications, including kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, adult blindness, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Yet many people remain unaware they’re at risk.
Genetics, lifestyle habits, and limited access to healthcare all contribute to this growing health crisis.
This November, in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month and its theme — “Taking Action to Prevent Diabetes-Related Health Problems”— the American Red Cross is offering free A1C screenings to all blood donors who haven’t received the test in the past 12 months. The initiative is already making a difference. Since March, the Red Cross has provided approximately 550,000 A1C screenings, notifying 145,000 individuals about concerning results. About 1 in 5 donors tested had results in the prediabetic or diabetic range—clear evidence
