Hypertension and diabetes are two of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States, and their impact is particularly severe in underserved communities like those in Wayne County, Michigan. These conditions are closely linked, with one often leading to the other, and they contribute significantly to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other debilitating complications.

 1.  The Interplay Between Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Kidney Disease - NCBI

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov



The Dual Epidemic in Wayne County

Wayne County residents face a disproportionate burden of hypertension and diabetes. Several factors contribute to this crisis:

• Socioeconomic disparities: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthy food and safe environments are prevalent in many Wayne County neighborhoods. These factors increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.
• Limited healthcare access: Many residents face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, including lack of insurance, transportation difficulties, and a shortage of primary care providers in underserved areas.
• Health literacy: Low health literacy rates hinder patients' ability to understand their conditions, manage medications, and make informed health decisions.
• Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and smoking are more common in underserved populations, increasing the risk of hypertension and diabetes.