Several commonly used drugs have adverse effects on glucose metabolism. Among these drugs are: aspirin, and an antibiotic.

Aspirin is a commonly used drug to relieve minor aches and pains, to reduce fever, as an anti-inflammatory and as a blood-thinner. However, studies show it leads to glucose metabolism impairment in insulin-sensitive tissues. A 3g daily dose of aspirin was administered over a three-day period. Although insulin release increased after the aspirin, the glucose remained unchanged. Despite the increased insulin, the body seemed to decrease cellular sensitivity to insulin in the aftermath of aspirin.

A healthcare facility in Scottsdale, AZ advises doctors to avoid giving gatifloxacin to patients with diabetes. They suggest selecting an antibiotic other than a fluoroquinolone for an elderly patient with diabetes, especially those taking sulfonylureas. Beyond elderly diabetics, any person who has recently undergone treatment with an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone family should raise questions if they are diagnosed with diabetes or deemed pre-diabetic. Drugs included in this family are: Cipro, Ciproxin, Enroxil, Penetrex, Megalone, Maxaquin, Noroxin, Quinabic, Janacin, Floxin, Oxaldin, and Tarivid.