The Impact of Non-Sugar Sweetener on Health Outcomes in the General Population and Patients with Diabetes

Non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are low in calories and can be used in very small amounts. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety have stated that consuming NSS within the recommended dosage is not harmful to human health. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization in its 2023 guidelines on NSS use advised the general population against the consumption of NSS as a means of controlling weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the health benefits and potential risks of NSS for patients with diabetes. Given the ongoing debate about the efficacy of NSS, the 2023 clinical guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association recommend minimizing beverages containing sugar or NSS, although NSS may help reduce sugar intake in the short term. This review aims to explore the latest research on the benefits and risks of NSS for the general population and patients with diabetes.