I was on that site for a while as well, since I also have a diabetic/kidney cat. a few months ago someone started a thread and not sure how it evolved into what it did, but basically Helen (the creator of the site) got involved and actually labeled people who do not "contribute" daily or regularly to the site as being basically leeches just looking for free information and she had no use for those people. it got pretty ugly. at that point I quit the site. not sure about everyone else's situations of course but in my life I have MANY priorities, one of which is my cat, however, I cannot and do not wish to dedicate 100% of my free time to counseling others, especially in matters that I do not even feel like I have enough knowledge to do so. I of course want to help anyone who I can with the knowledge and experience that I do have, but she was suggesting that everyone, regardless of their experience, needed to contribute to every thread even if just for "support". you can still use the site for info, but I would not advise joining the "group". like you say as well, the emails never stop coming.
at any rate - my cat was first indicated to have kidney issues almost a year ago. he seems to be doing pretty well. he has ups and downs of course, but usually short lived. he was put on prescription food at first too. and since I didn't know any better, tried it. for 1 day. after 1 day on that stuff his BG was almost 500. the vets suggestion for that was to up his insulin to meet the consequences of the food. not happening. it took me some time to get him regulated in the first place, I was NOT willing to mess that up in a day. so, after doing the research, mostly on this site - the food chart - I came up with a few brands that work for both AND that my picky eater will eat. Whole Earth Farms Duck Pate, and Whole Earth Farms Chicken Pate, Organix Chicken and Organix Turkey. I am sure there are others, but these are just the ones my guy will eat. one other thing to consider is that for whatever reason, the food chart on this site and the food chart on Tanya's site are NOT the same. I don't know why. I just tend to stick with this site because it is much easier to read and is sortable, and I guess part of it is that I was just more used to it, and the people on THIS site have been more than wonderful to me and Rex since the onset of all this drama - even if I don't contribute daily.
I hope maybe these suggestions can help you. by the way, my boy is also an orange tabby! so handsome aren't they?? best of luck to you. and hang in there.