DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews)
– LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is now offering free A1c testing to all blood donors through August 31, giving donors a chance to learn more about their risk for prediabetes and diabetes.
The A1c test provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes, and most don’t even know it. LifeSouth officials say this testing could help identify early signs of disease and allow donors to take proactive steps with their primary care providers.
“Offering hemoglobin A1c testing to all blood donors gives us a chance to help our communities take charge of their health and learn if they are at risk for prediabetes and diabetes,” said Dr. Chris Lough, Vice President of Medical Services at LifeSouth. “Early detection is key, and knowing your A1c can help you learn more about your health and make early changes to help prevent disease progression.”
Donors can access their test results online through the LifeSouth donor portal. The service is available at all LifeSouth blood drives and donor centers. Donors will also receive a mini physical, including checks on cholesterol, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin level, and temperature.
LifeSouth supplies blood to more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. To find a blood drive or donor center, visit
lifesouth.org
.
