[Consumption of sweeteners and dietetic foods by individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, assisted by the National Health System in Ribeirão Preto, SP].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the consumption of sweeteners and dietetic foods by individuals with type 2 diabetes, assisted by the Brazilian National Health System, in the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Through a questionnaire were interviewed 120 patients were interviewed, stratified by sex, age and level of health care. RESULTS The use of sweeteners is very frequent by the population in study, with predominance of the liquid type, and the use of dietetic foods is less common, with predominance of soft drinks. The diagnosis of diabetes was determinant for starting the use of both and the used criterion for selection of the sweetener is its flavor. The percentage of the population that knows the difference between diet and light products, that has the habit to read labels, and that is worried with the amount used of sweetener, is small. CONCLUSION There is a need to include information about the adequate use of these products in the health care activities for patients with diabetes in the different levels of the Brazilian National Health System.