Not sure how safe it is and once started, it is a "for life" drug apparently.

Most of the ones I've read says it's very safe. It isn't even insulin, but encourages insulin production in the pancreas. People who should/usually take it are diabetics, and their insulin use is usually for life anyways so there's no difference there. What makes it even better is that it is only once a week, compared to the daily use of insulin.

Have you ever thought which is the better life? When on the deathbed, which is valued more?

Those on their deathbed will usually regret what they didn't do. If they worked too hard and neglected their family, they think they should have spent more time with them instead. If they spent too much time with the family and had a normal life, they would think they should have worked harder so they could have provided more for their family and traveled more.