BackgroundHypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are reported to be on the increase in developing countries. In this study we investigated the epidemiology of the prevalence of HTN and T2DM and its correlates in a high density area. We carried out this study to assess the magnitude of the prevalence of HTN and T2DM so that we can query the drivers that are causing an increase conditions in these conditions. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in Hatcliffe, a high density area (HDA) in Harare. We interviewed, bled, took anthropometric and measured blood pressure of 381 participants. We investigated HbA1c, blood pressure, BMI and prevalence of prehypertension, prediabetes, co-existence of HTN and T2DM. A geospatial analysis was carried out to ascertain distribution patterns of HTN and T2DM in Hatcliffe. ResultsThe prevalence for prehypertension and prediabetes is higher than it is for full blown conditions of the HTN and T2DM. The prevalence of prehypertension was 35.4% and prediabetes was 29%.The prevalence of HTN in this study was 14.4% whilst that of T2DM was 3.93%. Out of the 55 participants that had developed HTN five had developed T2DM. There was no significant difference in the HTN and T2DM clusters. ConclusionsThe prevalence for prehypertension and prediabetes is higher than it is for full blown conditions of the HTN and T2DM. This indicates the importance of having a strategy for reducing the number of prediabetes and prehypertensive cases so that cases of full blown T2DM and HTN remain low.