DETROIT (Feb. 25, 2026) – New data from the American Red Cross reveals 1 in 5 blood donors have A1C levels in prediabetic or diabetic range.

The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025. Among donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes – a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Anyone with an elevated A1C level is encouraged to consult their health care provider.

In March, the Red Cross will again offer free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful blood donations. The test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months.

As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to help bridge existing health care gaps by providing blood donors with critical health insights. Donors can access and track their blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature, which are taken during each donation’s mini‑physical to ensure they’re healthy enough to give.

Millions of U.S. adults are living with undiagnosed prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, which are often preventable, and in many cases, reversible. These conditions often develop silently, though if untreated, they can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Red Cross urges blood donors to book an appointment in March to help the national blood supply recover from a severe blood shortage. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details. Donating blood in March is part of Red Cross Month, a national campaign that encourages people to deliver support when help can’t wait by also making a financial donation, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills class.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Henry / sydney.henry@redcross.org / 313-439-4304

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.