The first thing I noticed was that the intensive blood sugar treatment was stopped after eight years, due to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. Now that the blood pressure and blood-fats information is in, the prognosis isn't much better. None of the fancy drugs were completely effective in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in type-2 diabetics.

In the cholesterol study group, all were given a statin - like Lipitor or Zocor. Some were also given TriCor, a fibrate. It seems that adding fibrates, drugs that lower triglycerides and boost 'good' cholesterol, only helped individuals with extremely high blood-fat levels. And, for women, it increased the risk of heart problems.

For the blood pressure participants, the intensive treatment had no effect on the number of heart attacks. The risk of stroke was reduced; although that is a less common problem in diabetics. Either way? The side effects from the intensive treatment were greater.

Bottom line? The researchers don't know what this means for treatment, going forward. They do, however, recommend sticking with tried-and-true medications, healthy diet, and exercise.

For us, it's an interesting dilemma. Mark's blood pressure is a bit high, but he has serious reactions to the meds. His cholesterol is amazingly good.

Guess we stick with carb counting and regular exercise.