Red Cross offers free A1C testing in March as 1 in 5 donors show elevated blood sugar levels
NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging residents to donate blood or platelets in March as the national blood supply recovers from a severe shortage, offering free A1C testing as an added incentive.
The organization announced that successful donors in March will receive a complimentary A1C test — commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes — with one result available per calendar year. Donors who give blood, platelets or plasma between March 1 and March 31 will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email.
New Red Cross data shows that 1 in 5 blood donors has elevated A1C levels, indicating prediabetes or diabetes. The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screenings, during which more than 920,000 blood donors nationwide received results across three testing periods in 2025.
Among donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings consistent with prediabetes — a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as improved diet and regular exercise.
“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.”
The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the previous three months. Donors can access their results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or online donor portal. Individuals with elevated results are encouraged to consult their health care provider.
The Red Cross said millions of U.S. adults live with undiagnosed prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, conditions that can develop without noticeable symptoms but may lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure if untreated.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with prediabetes may incur a few hundred dollars in additional annual medical costs, while those whose condition progresses to diabetes could face several thousand dollars more each year.
The March blood drive is part of Red Cross Month, a nationwide campaign encouraging people to donate blood, volunteer, make financial contributions or take lifesaving skills classes.
As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross said it is uniquely positioned to provide donors with health insights through its app and online portal, where users can also track blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature collected during the donation screening process.
Appointments to donate can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
