All these caveats should all be kept in mind when thinking about the research showing that HDL from "diabetics" seems to increase cardiovascular risk. I'd be willing to bet the farm (and yes, I actually do own a farm), that no one really understands all of this yet. Today's research shows one thing; tomorrow's shows something else.

What it does mean is that having high HDL levels doesn't guarantee that you're protected from having heart attacks. "In fact, it appears that for a person with diabetes, having high levels of HDL could be counter-productive," said Smart in a story in the Lexington (Ky) Herald-Leader. "It was an outcome that we completely didn't expect. But I think it's really profound, because it says that HDL doesn't always have to be good for you."

So what should you do if you have diabetes and have an HDL level of 70 or 90? I'd say don't panic. If that's your natural HDL level, or if you've gotten your HDL up with exercise, which has other benefits to your health, my intuition says it's a good thing (of course, ask your doctor about it). Artificially increasing your HDL levels with drugs, on the other hand, might not be a good idea until we learn what all this really means, whether it's being "diabetic" that is the problem or whether it's having fasting BG levels of more than 200 that is contributing to the problem.

Even Smart said in the press release that "individuals should not try to lower their HDL levels based on one piece of research."

But this research does suggest that even if you have high HDL levels, you shouldn't figure you're protected and start eating fast food and relaxing on the recliner all day. You should continue to try to eat a good diet (whatever works for you), try to achieve normal BG levels and normal blood pressure, get as much exercise as you are able, and remember to take some time to enjoy life. Laughing helps to reduce stress.

Having diabetes means paying a lot of attention to your health. But you should always keep in mind that you're worth it.