Hello Karen

Diabetes is a perfectly managable disease in animals (and humans) especially when it is caught at an early stage. It sounds like maybe you should see another vet (that pessimistic attitude doesn't do anyone any good). Unless Socks is having kidney problems and you can handle the twice daily injections, there is no real reason to put him down.

You will have to change his diet, but there is special food available for diabetic cats. You will also have to watch his water intake and be alert for the possibility of infections (it makes it more difficult to control the diabetes). In addition you will have to make sure that Socks get some exercise every day (but that just means you will have to play with him regularily ).

If you take basic precautions and learn how to inject the insulin you shouldn't have any problems. I hope this helps...