The actual donation takes only about seven minutes. It takes time to register, give your health history and get a mini-physical. After you donate, you'll spend a few minutes having refreshments. Yes, diabetics can donate even if they are taking insulin, as long as they are otherwise in good health and feel up to donating. Perhaps, depending on the medication and why you are taking it.
Most medications are acceptable.
The Donor Services specialist in charge of the drive will be able to determine if the medication you are taking will prevent you from donating. People at risk of transmitting viruses and disease are asked not to donate blood. Next, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are recorded. Then, a phlebotomist, a specialist in drawing blood, swabs the donor's arm inside the elbow and inserts a needle into a vein. The needle is attached to a sterile plastic pouch, into which about one pint of the donor's blood is drawn.