Type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as one of the major global health burdens. Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are food additives that have a higher intensity of sweeteners per gram than caloric sweeteners and include acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, saccharine, stevia, and sucralose. NNS are widely used in individuals for lowering caloric intake and maintaining healthy weight. In particular, individuals with type 2 diabetes often use NNS to reduce simple carbohydrate intake and ensure glycemic control as well as weight loss. However, there have been conflicting data on the effectiveness of NNS in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. In previous randomized controlled trials and observational studies, NNS consumption was associated with weight loss and also had a beneficial effect on glycemic response in healthy individuals and in people with type 2 diabetes. In contrast, several studies did not show any significant effectiveness of NNS consumption on glycemic control. Furthermore, a recent study revealed that NNS induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Increased appetite and weight gain have also been considered as NNS-associated concerns regarding type 2 diabetes. Dietary assessment tools which accurately estimate NNS intake are required along with the updated food database containing accurate NNS contents of foods. In addition, longer-term randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies will be necessary to understand the link between NNS consumption and the development or aggravation of type 2 diabetes.