Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results from the body's inability to make or use insulin. Most cells of the body have insulin receptors that bind the insulin, which is in the circulation.  When a cell has insulin attached to its surface, the cell activates other receptors designed to absorb sugar from the blood into cells where it is converted into energy for life. People who have diabetes are now advised to eat a "normal" balanced diet that is rich in carbohydrates, including small amounts of sugar. Nonetheless since an important part of diabetes management is to maintain blood sugar levels within healthy limits, low-calorie sweeteners help by providing sweet taste without lowering the blood sugar levels.

When overweight or obese people who have diabetes lose even small amounts of weight, their blood sugar improves. By reducing caloric intake, low-calorie sweeteners aid both weight management and diabetic control.