Thank you for sharing these details about your father. Loss of appetite and body pain in someone with
diabetes can have several causes—sometimes related to poor
sugar control (
HbA1c of 7.5 is moderately high), nutritional deficiencies, mood changes, or even underlying chronic conditions.
From what you describe, his current intake (a glass of milk, 1 chapati, tea with biscuits) is very inadequate for his daily needs. This can easily lead to weakness, weight loss, and low energy, which can further worsen appetite—a vicious cycle.
Holistic Approach:
1. Medical Review:
• A thorough clinical evaluation is needed to rule out hidden causes like gastritis, depression, diabetic neuropathy, or early infections.
• Ask his physician if medications (like metformin or painkillers) are affecting appetite. Sometimes simple changes help.
2. Diabetes & Nutrition:
• Even if he eats small portions, focus on nutrient-dense foods: soft dals, vegetable upma, khichdi, curd rice, soups, and boiled eggs (if non-vegetarian).
• Instead of tea + biscuits, try giving him small protein snacks like roasted chana, sprouts, or a handful of nuts.
• Protein powder can be continued, but ideally under supervision so it doesn’t interfere with sugar control.
3. Appetite Stimulation:
• Gentle daily walks and light exercise often improve hunger and sleep.
• Warm soups or light herbal teas (ginger, jeera, ajwain) before meals can help digestion.
• Eating in smaller, frequent meals is better than forcing large portions.
4. Monitoring:
• Keep track of his weight weekly.
• Watch for red flags: persistent fever, severe weight loss, vomiting, or change in bowel habits—these need urgent review.
Next Steps:
• Please schedule a detailed check-up with his diabetologist/physician soon.
• Request dietary counselling from a nutritionist who can build a diabetes-friendly meal plan around his current appetite.
• Support him emotionally—loss of appetite can also reflect stress, low mood, or fatigue, not just physical illness.
Word of Caution:
Do not ignore ongoing poor intake. Even with normal blood reports, malnutrition can set in quickly. If his appetite does not improve in the next 1–2 weeks, further evaluation (chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, additional labs) may be necessary to rule out hidden causes.