A new study has revealed that the consumption of artificial sweeteners puts one at risk of developing diabetes.

For many years, artificial sweeteners have been promoted as a safe sugar substitute for people suffering from diabetes. But according to an article by scientific journal Nature, non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) have the potential to induce "compositional and functional" changes to the microorganisms in the intestines. These alterations in the intestines can reportedly lead to "metabolic abnormalities" such as glucose intolerance and diabetes as well as dysbiosis.

The researchers from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science revealed that subjects who consume artificial sweeteners were actually found to have high blood sugar levels when tested. 

These findings have put the common belief that artificial sweeteners are the ultimate replacement for sugar in question. Non-caloric artificial sweeteners are widely used in many popular beverages, including in sodas such as Coke and Pepsi. But over the past few years, many researchers have provided evidence that these lab-produced sweeteners may be detrimental to human health.

Last year, a study published in health journal Appetite revealed that non-caloric artificial sweeteners are counterproductive to weight loss because they interfere with the hormones responsible for metabolism. Inadvertently, the consumption of artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite and lead the body to store more fat.

Many commentators say these revelations will have a negative impact on the sale of non-caloric or 'diet' beverages, which are essentially artificially sweetened alternatives of the usual beverages on the market. These drinks are promoted as an ideal way to lose weight as they contain no calories. But counting calories has been dispelled as a 'weight loss myth.' Researchers say not all calories are bad and while some may induce the storage of fat, others are necessary for healthy muscles. Essentially, it is not about counting calories, but eating the right calories for optimal health.