New research suggests artificial sweeteners could cause glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Artificial sweeteners could increase the risk of developing diabetes and glucose intolerance, new research suggests.

Researchers say non-caloric artificial sweeteners are among the most widely used food additives in the world but data that supports the belief their consumption is safe is sparse and controversial.

Tests on mice fed diets that included sweeteners have revealed the supplements have an impact on gut microbes, which in turn contribute to glucose intolerance.

A similar result was observed in humans following the tests, conducted at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

Researchers say the results suggest the use of non-caloric artificial sweeteners should be reassessed.

"These results indicate that non-caloric artificial sweeteners may exacerbate, rather than prevent, metabolic disorders such as glucose intolerance and diabetes," the research team said in a statement.

Copyright AAP 2014