Donating Blood With High Blood Pressure or Diabetes

Can you give blood with high blood pressure?

The American Red Cross says giving blood is safe for most people with high blood pressure, including those taking blood pressure medicine. Only donors with a reading above 180/100 mmHg on the day of donation cannot give, because that reading points to an urgent problem that needs a doctor soon.

The centre measures your blood pressure before every donation, which is a good way to keep an eye on it. A normal blood pressure for most adults is below 120/80.

Does blood pressure medicine stop you from donating?

According to the American Red Cross, blood pressure medicines do not stop you from donating. Tell the centre about every medicine you take, because some other medicines may need a waiting period after the last dose.

Can you give blood with diabetes?

The American Red Cross says people with diabetes or prediabetes are generally eligible to give blood, platelets and plasma if they feel well on the day and their diabetes is well managed.

In most cases there, the treatment does not matter: insulin, injected medicines such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, and tablets such as metformin do not stop you from donating as long as your diabetes is under control.

Why might the rules differ in your country?

The rules above are the American Red Cross’s. Each country, and sometimes each centre, sets its own rules, which may be stricter for some medicines or for related conditions. The doctor at the donation centre decides on the day, after the check-up.

Tips before donating with high blood pressure or diabetes

• Donate on a day you feel well, and reschedule if you do not.
• Bring a list of your medicines and doses.
• Have a healthy meal and drink enough water before your appointment.
• Keep checking your blood pressure and blood sugar with your doctor: giving blood is not a treatment for either.

Check the other requirements with Can I donate blood today?.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

This guide is based on the following published sources:

1. High Blood Pressure Information for Blood Donors American Red Cross
2. Diabetes and Blood Donation American Red Cross
3. Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements American Red Cross

Content and links last reviewed: 17 October 2026. How we write the tools

This tool gives general guidance based on published rules, which differ by country and change over time. It does not replace a medical assessment. The doctor at the donation centre always makes the final decision. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.