‘The Simple Life’ star Nicole Richie, who is battling rumours of an eating disorder, has been diagnosed with the blood disorder hypoglycemia. The condition means the slim socialite’s blood sugar levels are too low to provide the energy her body needs. Her representative tells, “In her ongoing effort to focus on her well-being, Nicole has recently been diagnosed with hypoglycemia. She is taking steps to manage it.” The announcement comes just three weeks after Nicole was hospitalised for dehydration after collapsing on the set of her and Paris Hilton’s reality TV series. An insider says, “Four or five times, Nicole’s felt really faint and almost passed out. Then she has to go into her trailer for a good part of the day.” [23 March 2007]