A diabetic athlete presents as slow, sweaty, and fatigued after taking insulin at lunch and not eating. What should a coach do?

The situation described involves a diabetic athlete who is showing signs of hypoglycemia after taking insulin without having eaten. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, leading to symptoms such as sweating, fatigue, and confusion. In this scenario, the most appropriate action is to give her some form of sugar.

Providing a source of sugar quickly raises blood glucose levels, alleviating the immediate symptoms of hypoglycemia. Sugar can be delivered through various means such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soda, which are all effective in rapidly increasing blood sugar. It's crucial to act swiftly, as prompt reestablishment of normal blood glucose levels is essential for the athlete's safety and wellbeing.

Continuing to exercise or only providing water would not address the underlying issue of low blood sugar and could lead to more severe complications. Contacting emergency services may be necessary if the athlete does not respond to sugar or if her condition worsens, but the initial and immediate response should focus on correcting the low blood sugar situation.