The American Red Cross is offering free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, and an Amazon gift card in March to thank those who are giving blood during the current severe blood shortage.
New Red Cross data has revealed that 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels, which is a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health. These statistics 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, which can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
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.
An American Diabetes Association study found that, while people with prediabetes typically incur a few hundred dollars in additional medical costs each year, those with blood sugar levels in the diabetic range could face several thousand dollars more in annual expenses — as much as 25 times higher.
“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 past three months. 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. Anyone with an elevated A1C level is encouraged to consult their health care provider.
The Red Cross has been experiencing a severe blood shortage since last month. In January, there was a continuous drop of about 35% in blood inventory, which is blood used to save peoples lives in emergencies. The severe winter weather this month has amplified this shortage, resulting in about 20,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected since January 23, 2026. As of February 2, 2026, there was over 500 blood drives cancelled due to winter weather, which is on top of the more than 400 blood drives canceled in January due to the same causes.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your March donation appointment. All who come 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.
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.
