By Alana Mauger

This March, the American Red Cross is performing A1C testing on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations (one result per calendar year). The offering comes as new data reveals that one in five blood donors has elevated A1C levels—a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health. These findings come from the first year of free A1C screenings offered by the Red Cross across three testing periods in 2025. Click here to dive into the data

“Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director. By giving blood and downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better manage and advocate for their health.”

Among donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes — a condition that is often reversible through healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, to schedule your March donation appointment.All who come out to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will also receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details. 

In addition to periodic A1C screening, the Red Cross continues to help bridge health care gaps by providing donors with valuable health insights, including blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature — all of which can be tracked in the Blood Donor App. Download the app from Apple or Google Play.

Donating blood in March is part of Red Cross Month, a national campaign that encourages people to deliver support when help can’t wait — whether by giving blood, making a financial donation, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills class.