LifeSouth blood donors can now discover their risk for diabetes through its complimentary A1c testing being offered through Aug. 31.

LifeSouth Community Blood Center announced on Monday that the A1c test, which measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, will alert blood donors if they may have pre-diabetes or diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD), one in three adults have pre-diabetes and over eight in 10 people are unaware. The early detection provided through A1c testing, along with discussing results with a primary care provider, can help mitigate serious health complications such as kidney failure, vision loss and heart disease.

“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 Community Blood Centers, in a press release. “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.”

Blood donors can monitor their test results with each donation through the LifeSouth donor portal.

LifeSouth remains committed to the well-being of blood donors and the communities they serve. By donating blood with LifeSouth, donors help patients in local hospitals, including HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, UF Health and the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center.

To find a blood drive or donor center, visit lifesouth.org. In addition to A1c testing, all blood donors receive a mini physical including cholesterol screen, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin level and temperature.