Hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition commonly associated with diabetes in which blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL. It can happen periodically to some people with diabetes when the drugs used to treat the condition, such as insulin, work too well and cause an excessive drop in blood sugar. Fresh apricots also will help, but the carbohydrates (sugars) aren't as concentrated. And dried apricots are easy to store and take with you.
What to do: Eat seven or eight dried apricot halves as soon as you notice the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as fatigue, dizziness, sweating and irritability.
Also helpful: Anything sugary, including a small amount of jelly beans. When your blood sugar is "crashing," you need sugar immediately. Toby Smithson, RD, LDN, a nutritionist who has had diabetes for 40 years, always carries jelly beans. They're even mentioned on the American Diabetes Association website.
Other sources of fast-acting sugars include honey and fruit juices.
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