Abstract: A method of treating a cluster of diseases associated with elevated blood sugar levels comprising the administration of a dietary supplement of chiro-inositol. Chiro-inositol is an essential element for the synthesis of an insulin-directed mediator apparently responsible for the activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase-phosphatase. Disease conditions commonly associated with insulin-resistance, such as hypertension, lactic acidosis, obesity, coronary artery disease, and the like, are treated by administration of sufficient chiro-inositol to meet normal metabolic levels.