Far too few Americans with prediabetes know they have the condition, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2010, about one in three U.S. adults 20 and older (about 79 million people) had prediabetes, which can lead to full-blown type 2 diabetes, but only about 11% were aware of it. Treating prediabetes early with dietary changes, weight loss, and increased physical activity can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Read more...

The CDC announced that recent data analysis shows more than half a million U.S. children exceed the agency's current threshold for lead exposure. This report comes after the CDC reduced the "level of concern" by half last year and replaced it with a new reference value. While progress has been made in reducing blood lead levels of young children in the U.S., the CDC recognizes that there is more yet to be accomplished.

A recent study found that women with high blood levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) are more likely to have a successful birth following in vitro fertilization than women of similar age with low levels of this hormone. The researchers concluded that AMH might be useful as a prognostic factor for determining the chances of successful pregnancy and live birth following IVF, providing additional information that could aid those who are struggling with infertility.

Not every test and procedure is appropriate for a particular condition, says a coalition of 41 medical organizations. The campaign, known as Choosing Wisely, has updated its list of tests and procedures that patients and doctors should discuss thoroughly because they may not be necessary. Patients who will undergo testing or medical procedures may wish to become familiar with the campaign and its recommendations.