Diabetic cat, please help!

[Mumble29]

Our lovely 10year old girl has been diagnosed with diabetes and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. We have ordered the insulin and syringes online as vet advised it is cheaper.
I think I'll be ok with giving her the injection but vet also advised us to change her food to diabetic one but it is so expensive on top of all the other stuff she needs, (she isnt insured) is there a cheaper alternative?
She has always had dry food and just grazed so I don't know how she is going to cope with only 2 meals a day now.
Tbh the vet we saw yesterday was a bit shit, rushed us through everything after making us wait 45mins even though we had an appointment .
Any advice would be very much appreciated

My vet told me not to change to diabetic food at the same time as starting with insulin as it is difficult to find the correct dosage. Are you able to ask to see another vet in the practice. My cat went on for years on insulin and we just kept to good quality cat food. Hope all goes well.

Our old girl stayed on her regular food but she had IBD so switching food wasn't sensible for her.
Managing diabetes isn't bad once you get into the routine. It is tying but perfectly manageable. I responded on another thread last week about diabetes so you may find further info on that.
We were lucky as all the vets we saw (apart from one very rude locum) were great and very supportive so so try and see a different vet. Also don't forget the vet nurses are also there and very helpful for things like diabetes.

Go back and ask to see a different vet. You need to know such a lot and it’s a big thing to take in.

My much loved cat was diagnosed last year. Sadly he only lasted 3 months after diagnosis.