Diets that perpetuate hypoglycemia (and accidents)

Yeah, I guess low carb is better than no carb, though, as hypoglycemia can be quickly reversed (or prevented) with a sugary drink.

 

A study shows that 'very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets' can work for gymnasts also . . .

It looks like bodybuilders have pushed the envelope of fluid imbalances too:
Severe Hypoglycemia Due to Cryptic Insulin Use in a Bodybuilder . . .
Life-Threatening Hypokalemic Paralysis in a Young Bodybuilder . . .
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in the Athlete . . .

 

Beyond sports science, there's also a study finding that sports drinks enhance the hydration of people sitting indoors, better than plain water does . . .

"The composition of fluid ingested is as essential as the volume. Isotonic beverages consisting of water, carbohydrate, and electrolytes are solutions that contain the same osmolality as blood, where the osmolality is normally regulated between 280 and 290 mOsm/kg by controlling water loss and intake. It aims to restore fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. It is often consumed during sports events where a large amount of water and electrolytes are lost through sweat. Previous studies demonstrated that the inclusion of sodium and carbohydrate in a beverage enhanced fluid retention and restored fluid loss after thermal, exercise, or fluid restriction induced dehydration. However, the effect of such drinks in an air-conditioned environment without excessive dehydration has not been extensively studied.

In indoor environments, performing routine activities and even without excessive sweating, isotonic beverages may be more effective at retaining fluids and maintaining hydration status by up to 10% compared to distilled water... Given the large number of people working and residing indoors under air conditioning throughout the day, these results suggest that the consumption of isotonic beverages may be more beneficial than water in order to stay hydrated and to maintain fluid balance. Though not the primary intention of our study, the novel observation that salivary secretion was enhanced in those consuming isotonic beverages indicates that especially in the elderly, the use of isotonic beverages may promote greater appreciation of food due to the role salivary secretion plays in taste perception."

Other studies found that hydration improves cognition, so sugar can improve brain function, both by itself, and for helping to improve hydration (in reasonable amounts, along with electrolytes, whereas too much can have the opposite effect, like most things).

"Fluid balance is critical in health and disease. Its management is required in a variety of instances. These include stress that healthy individuals may experience at certain times, e.g., during intense exercise, development of various acute or chronic diseases, and complication of the course of several diseases. Proper fluid balance is a key management target for groups of individuals experiencing difficulties in maintaining normalcy with regard to it, e.g., those with cognition disorders, the very young, and the very old. Less well known is the fact that disorders of fluid balance are encountered in conditions common in the general population, e.g., obesity or hypertension."

I think that the cravings which lead to over-eating are often perpetuated by fluid imbalances. Some people may want to avoid sugar, because it can be like an appetizer, but if you have it in an isotonic solution, I don't think it has that effect. There are recipes for making rehydration solutions, which aren't as sweet as most sports drinks. That would be the minimum amount of carbohydrate in order to get the same effect for hydration.