There are two types of sweeteners used in the food industry: plant-based natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners. Natural sweeteners are preferred over synthetic sweeteners because they have no adverse effects on health. Natural sweeteners are beneficial for diabetic patients. Artificial sweeteners are preferred as additives in beverages, diet products, medicines, and even mouthwashes due to their more intense sweetness and the fact that they contain no or very little energy per gram. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that is usually diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. Despite the widespread use of artificial sweeteners for energy and glycemic control, various evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners play a role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes. While some studies report no effect, others have observed that artificial sweetener consumption increases glucose and insulin secretion. Type 2 diabetes has recently become a common diagnosis among obese children and adolescents. Today, approximately 23 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. Of those diagnosed, 5% have Type 1 diabetes, while the remaining 95% have Type 2 diabetes. Among the most widely used sweeteners in the world are aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, and sucralose. Recently, steviol glycosides have also been used. The effects of artificial sweeteners on diabetes are controversial. Products containing aspartame, acesulfame K, and saccharin sweeteners are approved when consumed under the guidelines recommended by agencies such as the FDA. Although artificial sweeteners are found in many products, concerns are growing that their long-term effects are gradually emerging and that they may not be a healthy alternative to natural sweeteners. In conclusion, the consumption of artificial sweeteners is safe at ADI levels and is not mutagenic, but more studies are needed at the level of evidence. Although sucralose is relatively safer than others, it is recommended that the artificial sweeteners mentioned be used with caution.
YİĞİT et al. (Sat,) studied this question.