Diabetes and high blood pressure (Hypertension) are the two most common chronic diseases that affect young women in their childbearing age, and tend to complicate pregnancy and child birth. Failure to properly manage these conditions, results in medical complications which affect both the mother and the baby. The prevalence of hypertension among young adults and individuals of child-bearing age (roughly 15 to 49 years) in South Africa is high, with about 27% of adults under 40 affected, and elevated blood pressure tracking strongly from adolescence into these reproductive years. General population studies show women face a higher diabetes prevalence (15.5%) compared to men (11.9%).

Young adult women diagnosed with high blood pressure are at risk of developing stroke, chronic heart and kidney disease.

As a leading cause of death in South Africa, a rising prevalence of diabetes among young adult women requires good managed.

Overweight and obesity are a leading risk for the development of diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).