I was interested in the part of the question where he or she states, "I try to watch my diet, and I know I should exercise more." Health care professionals should place more emphasis on diet, exercise and other lifestyles modifications. Most people want a "quick fix" or prescription to deal with their health problems. As an RN in the cardiovascular field patient/family education can be frustrating. Diet "restrictions" should be looked at more postively than as deprivation. What you may be depriving yourself of is the sequella of uncontrolled diabetes or the side effects of the powerful medications used to treat diabetes. Obviously all patients do not meet the criteria where diet and exercise alone manages their diabetes. At my gym I see older men and women who work with fitness trainers if thier doctors have recommended exercise and they don't know where/how to start. The Sunken Meadow Boardwalk people of all ages walk or run at their own pace. One can exercise in the privacy of their own home if they cannot get out. Senior Citizens Centers offer exercise programs and many of them have transportation available.
I realize the question was about a drug, byetta. Maybe your answer could hjave included the effects of diet and exercise on type II diabetes as well.
When I eat right and exercise the fantastic feeling I have goes beyond myself. I'm a better nurse, mother and spouse. Nothing tastes as good as healthy makes me feel!