Hi, Chris, I hope you and Romeo are doing well. I just want to say "hi from someone in the same boat" and offer a couple of ideas. (I hope one or two might be new.) My vet hadn't had much success with pills but my cat adjusted to insulin shots almost immediately. I give them while he's enjoying his food. It could be that he's concentrating on the chow or that he sees food as a reward for taking the shot. His hind legs are often weak, which my vet says is a common symptom. If you're still working with the doctor who suggested exploratory surgery it does seem like a good idea to get a second opinion, maybe from someone who's got lots of experience working with diabetic cats. Since my cat's glucose levels fluctuate, and the stress of hospitalization makes them atypical, I've just gotten permission to test at home. If your vet also thinks this is a good idea glucometers sell for as little as $10. (The testing strips and lancets cost considerably more.) Best of luck!