Skip to main content

The Burden of Chronic Disease in Maryland

In Maryland, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes , and hypertension are the leading cause of death, disability, and health care costs. In 2007, Medicaid alone spent over $550 million dollars on chronic diseases. Approximately $196.3 Million was spent on hypertension alone, followed by diabetes at $157 Million.

Hypertension

  • Defined as high blood pressure, 140/90 mmHg or higher
  • Estimated 1 in 3 Maryland adults has hypertension
  • Known as the “silent killer” as those with hypertension often have no signs or symptoms
  • Disproportionately affects  the African American population

Source:

Maryland BRFSS

Diabetes

  • Defined as a disease that occurs when your blood glucose or sugar is too high
  • Three types: Type 1, Type 2 (most common), and gestational
  • Estimated 10.2% or 1 in 2 Maryland adults have diabetes
  • Diabetes or Prediabetes are serious conditions that can lead to heart disease and stroke, vision loss, amputations, and kidney disease
  • African Americans are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites

Sources: