diabetes MRI what to expect

Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI for short, is a safe and painless scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. For people with diabetes, doctors sometimes use an MRI to check for problems that need a closer look, such as foot ulcers, infections, nerve or blood vessel damage, or issues with organs like the kidneys or pancreas.

MRI scans are a common and well-tolerated test. Many people with diabetes have them without any problems.

Anyone with diabetes may need an MRI if their doctor wants a detailed look at a part of the body affected by blood sugar issues. It is especially common in people with foot problems, kidney changes, or nerve pain.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A foot sore or wound that is not healing
• Swelling, warmth, or redness in a limb
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
• Persistent back or chest pain
• Problems with vision or headaches

Symptoms in children

• For children when an MRI is being considered, symptoms may include unexplained leg pain, swelling in a limb, or signs of an infection that is not clearing up. An MRI can help check the health of organs like the pancreas or kidneys.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults might have a fall or a foot injury that will not heal, or new numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. An MRI can help see if there is a nerve or blood vessel problem.

Causes

Main causes

• Diabetes can damage nerves, blood vessels, and organs over time.
• An MRI is often used to check for a bone infection behind a foot ulcer, which is called osteomyelitis.
• It can show whether a foot ulcer has become infected deep under the skin.
• It can look for damage to the kidneys, pancreas, heart, or brain.

Risk factors

• Having had diabetes for many years
• Consistently high blood sugar levels
• A history of foot ulcers or amputations
• Kidney disease or dialysis
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a wound that is getting larger, deeper, or smells bad, seek medical attention the same day.
• If your foot or leg changes colour or feels cold, contact your care team urgently.
• If you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, get help urgently.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have new or worsening pain, numbness, or weakness, make an appointment to discuss it.
• If your doctor suggests an MRI, ask questions about why it is needed and how to prepare.

Diagnosis

An MRI is a test, not a condition. It is used to help your doctor make or confirm a diagnosis. You will usually have blood tests and a physical examination as well.

Tests that may be done

• A blood test to check kidney function (a test called creatinine or eGFR)
• A urine test to look for protein, which can be a sign of kidney damage
• An MRI scan with or without a contrast dye called gadolinium
• A foot examination to check blood flow and nerve function

What to expect at your appointment

Before the MRI, you will be asked to complete a safety checklist. You may be asked to stop taking metformin for a day or two if the MRI uses contrast dye and you have kidney problems. On the day, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown because metal can interfere with the scan. The scan takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You will lie on a padded table that slides into a tunnel. The scanner will make loud knocking noises, but you will be given ear protection. You will be in contact with a staff member through a microphone. If your blood sugar level is low, you can eat a small snack as long as you do not have an empty stomach. After the scan, you can go home and return to normal activities, unless you were given a sedative.

Treatment

An MRI does not treat anything directly. It gives your doctor the information needed to plan your diabetes care and any other treatment you need.

Self-care at home

• Bring your glucose meter and a snack to the scan in case your blood sugar drops while you wait
• Tell the radiology team if you are worried about lying still or being in a small space
• Keep your evening and morning diabetes medication routine as close to normal as possible unless told otherwise

Medical treatments

Depending on the results, your care team may adjust your blood sugar medicines, prescribe antibiotics for an infection, or refer you to a specialist such as a podiatrist, vascular surgeon, or kidney doctor. The exact treatment will depend on what the MRI shows.

When is surgery considered?

If the MRI shows a deep infection, dead tissue, or a blocked blood vessel, surgery may be needed to clean the infected area, remove damaged tissue, or improve blood flow. Your surgeon will explain the options and what to expect.

Living with this condition

Living with diabetes means keeping blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible. You can do this by taking medicines as prescribed, checking your blood sugar as recommended, and following your care plan.

Lifestyle tips

• Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin colour.
• Keep your follow-up appointments with your diabetes team.
• If you smoke, ask for help to quit – it greatly affects circulation.
• Keep your vaccines up to date, including flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines as recommended by your local health service.

Diet and exercise

Eat balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Stay active most days of the week, but talk to your care team before starting any new exercise, especially if you have foot problems or other complications.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed when living with diabetes or waiting for test results. These feelings are real and deserve support. Talk to your healthcare team, a counsellor, or someone you trust.

Prevention

Many problems that lead to an MRI can be prevented with good diabetes management, regular check-ups, and pre-scan preparation. Let your radiology team know about your diabetes and any kidney issues before the scan.

Vaccines

People with diabetes should have all routine vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines, according to local health guidance. These help prevent serious infections that can lead to hospital visits.

Screening programmes

Regular screening is key. Have an eye exam at least once a year, check your feet at every appointment, and have a blood and urine test for kidney function at least once a year, or more often if your doctor advises.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the condition the MRI is meant to check is not treated, it can get worse. For example, an infected foot ulcer can spread to deeper tissues or bone.
• Untreated nerve or blood vessel damage may lead to permanent loss of feeling or poor circulation, which in serious cases could lead to amputation.
• Long-term kidney damage can progress to kidney failure.

Long-term outlook

Most people who have an MRI for diabetes complete the test without any trouble. If the scan finds a problem, finding it early gives you the best chance of effective treatment and preventing further damage. Your care team will work with you to create a plan that fits your health and your life.

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