Diabetes management requires ongoing care. Learn how RCL care when complications arise

Diabetes Care in Houston: Primary Care vs. Urgent Care

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in Houston, especially in the Hispanic community. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage.

At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, our providers deliver comprehensive diabetes care, combining primary care for long-term management with urgent care for emergencies and complications. Knowing when to use each service is the key to staying safe and healthy.

Understanding Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, where the body resists insulin or doesn’t make enough.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), both of which can be dangerous

The Role of Primary Care in Diabetes Management

Primary care is essential for preventing complications and ensuring diabetes stays under control. At RCL, our primary care providers offer:

• Routine blood sugar checks and A1C testing
• Medication management, including insulin and oral medications
• Diet and lifestyle counseling to promote healthier eating and exercise
• Screening for complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye problems
• Referrals to specialists like endocrinologists if necessary

Regular visits with a primary care doctor in Houston are the foundation of safe diabetes management.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Diabetes

Even with good management, diabetes can sometimes require urgent attention. Visit urgent care if you experience:

• Extremely high blood sugar levels (>300 mg/dL)
• Very low blood sugar (<70 mg/dL) that doesn’t improve with food or glucose tablets
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or confusion
• Persistent vomiting or dehydration
• Foot wounds or infections that look red, swollen, or fail to heal

At RCL Urgent Care Houston, we provide:

• Immediate blood sugar checks
• IV fluids and medications to stabilize blood sugar
• Wound care for foot infections or ulcers
• Same-day labs and monitoring to prevent hospitalization

Common Complications of Diabetes

Without proper care, diabetes can lead to:

• Cardiovascular disease: Heart attack, stroke, and hypertension
• Kidney disease (nephropathy): Leading cause of kidney failure
• Nerve damage (neuropathy): Tingling, pain, and loss of sensation
• Eye disease (retinopathy): Can cause blindness
• Foot ulcers: Risk of severe infection or amputation

Primary care helps prevent these complications, while urgent care addresses them quickly if they arise.

Lifestyle and Prevention Tips from RCL

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean protein, and low in refined sugars
• Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity
• Monitor blood sugar daily at home
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Visit your primary care doctor every 3–6 months

Why Choose RCL for Diabetes Care in Houston?

• Bilingual team (English & Spanish) serving Houston’s diverse population
• Primary care and urgent care in one location for convenience
• Personalized care plans designed around your needs
• Integrated services, including mental health support, since depression and stress are common among patients with diabetes

FAQs

Q: Can urgent care refill my diabetes medications?
A: Yes, urgent care can provide short-term refills, but ongoing prescriptions should be managed by your primary care doctor.

Q: How often should I get an A1C test?
A: Most patients need one every 3–6 months, depending on their condition.

Q: Can diabetes cause mental health issues?
A: Yes. Anxiety and depression are more common in people with diabetes. At RCL, we integrate medical and mental health care.

Schedule Your Diabetes Care Visit Today

At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, we provide the full spectrum of diabetes care in Houston—from long-term management with primary care to urgent treatment when complications arise.

📞 Call us at 713-769-0096 or visit www.rclcenter.com to schedule an appointment or walk in today.