Organ transplantation
Every year the lives of thousands of people are saved or transformed through organ transplantation.
The Government decision on organ donation is to continue with an 'opt-in' policy rather than one of presumed consent. This means that it is important that people who wish to donate join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
However, the British Medical Association (BMA) Patient Liaison Group, which is made up of patient/carer representatives, has written to Diabetes UK stating that they are in favour of an ‘opt-out’ system. If you would like to be involved or just to find out more then contact the PLG secretariat at info.plg@bma.org.uk, or go to the BMA Patient Liaison Group website.
People with diabetes can be considered
For many years people with diabetes were excluded from this choice – but now, if you have diabetes and wish to become an organ or tissue donor, make sure that your next of kin is aware of your wishes.
Factors to be taken into account
As with all potential donors, individual medical history will be considered in conjunction with medical knowledge and opinion at that time before a decision is made.
Only two fixed exclusions
There are only two conditions where organ donation is ruled out completely. A person cannot become an organ or tissue donor if:
- they have been diagnosed with HIV, or
- they have, or are suspected of having, CJD.
How to sign up
You can register online at the NHS Organ Donor Register website or call 0300 123 23 23.
Giving blood
Neither are you excluded from giving blood simply because you have diabetes.
The UK Blood Services Standing Advisory Committee on Care and Selection of Donors has concluded that blood donation is safe for people with diabetes who manage their condition by taking tablets or non-insulin injections and have no complications or other underlying medical conditions.
It is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (2004) not to accept donors who are treated with insulin, or who have received a transplant of human tissue.
To ensure that giving blood is safe, donors are required to fill in a healthcheck questionnaire and talk to a trained member of staff of NHS Blood and Transplant before giving blood.
High blood pressure
The new rules will also allow some people with high blood pressure to donate blood.
Find out more
For more information call 0300 123 23 23 or go to the National Blood Service website.