Diabetes Go

Are there alternatives to insulin shots to treat a diabetic cat?

Was told by a vet some months ago that my 9 year old cat (first cat; first pet) has diabetes and needs prescription food and insulin shots. Could not afford the shots at the time, so wondering if there might be other, less expensive and, hopefully, less intrusive, ways of treating her diabetes. It is very hard to get her to move much to get some exercise, as vets in the past recommended.

Thanks