Answered a question 7/27/2010 at 2:27 pm
My father is 83, diabetic, and also smokes 2 packs a day. My mother passed away in March. He says he's not hungry 3-4 days/week and only wants to drink milk. On those days, I make sure he drinks at
...Read MoreMy father is 83, diabetic, and also smokes 2 packs a day. My mother passed away in March. He says he's not hungry 3-4 days/week and only wants to drink milk. On those days, I make sure he drinks at least 2 Boost Plus Shakes as he doesn't understand that he shouldn't take his insulin if he isn't eating. This seems to work. He is on Lantus insulin and on 2 occasions prior to starting this regimen, he was unable to get up out of bed because of low blood sugar. I'm not sure what your father's situation is but they say one of the things that happens sometimes 2-3 months before dying is you lose your appetite and sleep more. The body is getting itself ready and doesn't really need to eat. My mother started refusing meals in January. I was not aware of this until reading an article at Hospice re: The Process of Dying. I'm not saying this is what's happening with your father but depending on his health and other circumstances, this could be. Good luck!