What is an appropriate drink for a swimmer experiencing a diabetic emergency?

In a diabetic emergency, particularly during hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the most appropriate choice among the options is fruit juice. This is because fruit juice contains simple sugars, which are quickly absorbed by the body, helping to rapidly elevate blood glucose levels to a safe range. The sugars in juice can provide a swift source of energy, which is crucial during an emergency when a swimmer's blood sugar drops significantly.

Other choices, while they may offer some benefit, do not provide as rapid or effective a response for someone experiencing a diabetic emergency. Water, for example, does not contain any sugars and would not address the immediate need for glucose. Gatorade, although it contains sugar and electrolytes, may not have a high enough concentration of sugar for someone in a critical situation. Soft drinks also contain sugars but often have additional ingredients that may not be ideal for immediate treatment in a medical emergency. Therefore, fruit juice is the best option for quickly treating a swimmer in this scenario.