The present invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of
preferably non-insulin dependent (NIDDM or so-called Type II) diabetes
mellitus, or other conditions associated with impaired glucose tolerance
such as obesity, and in particular to the use of phytanic acid
derivatives for the said treatment and/or prevention. A method of making
a composition for the treatment or prevention of non-insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus and related diseases comprising combining phytanic acid
or derivatives thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or
adjuvant, and a composition for the treatment or prevention of
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus comprising phytanic acid or
derivatives thereof are also provided.