SK, maybe you could consult a veterinary dietitian and home cook some meals for her. That could provide something that might be more appealing while also not giving her food that is problematic for her diabetes (which I assume is why the vet doesn't want her eating crunchies). I know of a veterinary dietitian who does online consults and meal plans, but I forget her name. I will try to find it if you're interested. I think you just pay a fee per meal she comes up with. Iirc, it seemed pretty affordable. Might be worth contacting her anyway to see if she would be able to come up with something suitable for a diabetic cat.

Another bonus of doing that would be it would occupy some of your time and mind. I know you said you don't like baking, so you probably don't like cooking, either. I don't like cooking myself. However, I do find some pleasure in making food occasionally for my dogs because I know how much they enjoy it. The anticipation of seeing them eat gives me something to look forward to. My chihuahua really likes things with spice and a bit of kick - he'll gobble up Indian dishes that don't even have meat in them because I've made them for myself. Next time I make a meal for them, I think I'll make tamales. Then of course they'll have their dog-safe full Thanksgiving spread.

Anyway, I think you're onto something with focusing on your kitties to avoid SH.

P.S. Both of my previous dogs, who lived to be 16 and 19, required modified feeding arrangements as they aged. Both ate on the couch. One eventually was hand fed - he did have a good appetite, although he was often picky and only wanted chicken dipped in butter near the end. Before that, I actually often had to hand feed him the wet dog food, which was disgusting. My other dog, who lived to be 19, only required to be on the couch in her last year and a half.