Vet necessities for diabetic cat

Moo is my baby. I have had him since he was 8 weeks old from a rescue organization. He is now 11 and is such a personality and a sweet cat. He was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago in December. I was so scared, I had no clue what to do. He was 18 lbs and I knew something was wrong because he was drinking non stop and peeing constantly. I took him to the vet after saving some money and found out it was diabetes. The vet told me, it's not cheap. To make a choice. I started crying hysterically not knowing what decision was the one to make. Moo was in his cage next to me and he reached out of the open door and put his paw on top of my hand. At that point I knew immediately that I Had to treat the illness. 
Right before he was diagnosed I was working at Glendale animal hospital in Glendale heights Illinois. They are the reason I got him checked out. The news was easier to take by people I worked with. They have been treating him since and helping me with this journey and this is where I will have his surgery and future visits taken care of. I have struggled over the past 2 years buying special food, syringes, insulin, etc. I had to change my lifestyle. I worked 2-3 jobs just to get by for myself.  In my freetime I spent time with family about 1.5 hours away. Now my life had to revolve around Moo as he needed shots every 12 hours. He also needed blood sugar checks regularly... to ensure his safety when giving him his insulin. Life changed drastically. No more vacations even if I saved for them. No more going out or not coming home after work. Not staying over night at other peoples houses. Just me and my kitty. I was scared about giving him shots and testing his blood. I had to prick his ear? What? Give him shots where?? After a week or 2 of wrapping up a scared kitty in a towel to figure this out... He got used to it. I got used to it. Now it is second nature. I tap the couch, he comes up on my lap, I prick his ear, then I fill his dish and put it up on the sink in the bathroom, he comes to eat, and while he eats he gets a shot in the scruff of his neck. 
Well, we're still just hanging in there. NO big spikes, a few drops, but controlled. Problem is now, the diabetes and soft food only has caused his teeth to rot. Hes a strong cat so I don't think he's in pain, or if he is... he doesnt show it. But his mouth smells so bad because of his teeth. I cant stand to 'smell' him talking tome. And he talks ALOT. I need to get him into the vet, get pre-lim blood work done tomake sure he is safe for teeth cleaning, going under and all that being sick is risky,.... and then if he is... plan that and be ready for the vet to say that X amount of teeth need to be removed. It's going to add up fast to over $1,000. I want to get it done to help him live longer and healthier, but I can't afford it. I'm scared that he is in pain and if anything happens to him... He's my baby and I love him. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much for your help and consideration. And for reading this.