Comorbid hypertension and diabetes among U.S. women of reproductive age: Prevalence and disparities

Abstract Aims Diabetes is associated with significant pregnancy complications, which can be further exacerbated by comorbid hypertension. Racial/ethnic differentials in the burden of comorbid hypertension and diabetes among women of reproductive age have not been described. Methods Using Wave IV of the nationally representative National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we analyzed survey and biological data from 6576 non-pregnant women who were aged 24–32 in 2007–2008. Hypertension and diabetes were identified by self-report of diagnosis and biological measurements taken during in-home interviews. We used logistic regression models to predict the presence of comorbid hypertension and diabetes and whether each was diagnosed. Results Over a third (36.0%) of women with diabetes had comorbid hypertension. Compared to non-Hispanic white women, more non-Hispanic black women had comorbid hypertension and diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.93, 95% CI 3.84–9.16), and, if comorbid, were less likely to have a diabetes diagnosis (aOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.007–0.1) or hypertension diagnosis (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08–0.65). Conclusion Comorbid hypertension and diabetes are more common among non-Hispanic black women and less likely to be diagnosed, signaling disparities threatening maternal and child health among women with diabetes.