MRI appointments can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but when you’re living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), the prep process adds a whole new layer of complexity. I’m sharing my experience as someone who gets what it’s like to juggle medical needs and emotional wellness.
Why MRIs can be anxiety-inducing
The moment you hear “MRI,” your brain might immediately jump to that long, narrow tube. If tight spaces make you squirm, you’re not alone. It’s common to feel anxious, even if you’ve had one before. The machine is loud, the space is tight, and staying still feels nearly impossible when your nerves are on edge. Add T1D into the mix, and suddenly it’s not just emotional, it’s logistical.
Prepping with T1D and why self-advocacy matters
I got the prep call and learned I couldn’t eat or drink anything (not even water) for up to two hours before the scan. Cue my internal alarm bells: “What if my blood sugar goes low? What if I need to eat something and have to reschedule my appointment?”
So instead of stressing, I asked if that’s true.
At first, the scheduler didn’t get it. “We’ll take care of that when you come in,” she said. It took a few back-and-forth conversations before I had to explain, gently but firmly that’s not how diabetes works, if my blood sugar went low in that window I needed to know what to do. So she put me on hold to get clarification, and then returned with good news: yes, a small amount to treat a low would be allowed🎉.
Then, I was told all metals needed to be removed prior to my appointment (which I assumed included my pump). I asked if I could take off my insulin pump right before the scan. Another pause. Eventually, she confirmed: yes, that’s fine too.
Even though I got the answers I needed and avoided some unnecessary stress, each step felt like extra work. It meant asking the right questions, advocating for myself, and planning ahead. All things I know how to do, but they still take energy. Especially on top of something that’s already anxiety-producing.
Which is why managing my anxiety matters even more.
Navigating what’s in vs. out of my control
Appointments like this can take up a lot of brain space. That’s where one of my favorite tools comes in: asking what’s in vs. out of my control.
In my control:
- Communicating my needs
- Bringing fast-acting sugar just in case
- Practicing deep breathing to stay calm
Out of my control:
- How long the MRI takes
- How loud the beeping will be
- Whether the tech understands T1D
This simple shift helps me redirect my energy
Tools I’m bringing with me
- Deep breathing: Nice long breaths, longer on the exhale, to keep me calm and regulate my nervous system.
- Grounding statements: “I am safe, this feeling will pass.”
- Creating space for my feelings: It’s okay to feel anxious. I can observe the feeling without judgment. Beating myself up for a feeling only adds additional suffering.
Conclusion
Living with T1D means we’re always juggling blood sugar, decisions, and daily life. And while MRI prep might seem minor, it can feel like a lot. What helps is knowing you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid. And it’s okay to to not be okay.
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If this resonated with you—or if you’re navigating your own healthcare hurdles with T1D—I’m here to help. Book a free consult and let’s talk about how you can feel more empowered and grounded in your T1D journey.
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