Nicole Richie is reportedly being treated for hypoglycemia. According to People magazine The Simple Life star has being diagnosed with low blood sugar just weeks after she was hospitalized for dehydration.

Hypoglycemia is a condition that causes glucose levels in the blood to suddenly drop. In many cases this is caused by a poor diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. This condition causes numerous symptoms including fatigue and dizziness. Nicole has apparently suffered fainting spells in recent months.

Nicole’s diagnosis of low blood sugar explains her behavior over the past year. Individuals who suffer from hypoglycemia can experience depression, mood swings, alcoholism, nervous breakdowns…and abnormal weight. Could it be that Nicole Richie did not suffer from an eating disorder after all? Could her dramatic weight loss be attributed to a simple undiagnosed blood sugar condition? Perhaps this is a convenient explanation from Nicole’s reps to put her in a more favorable spotlight. Only her doctors know for sure.