Abstract: A method of treating type 2 diabetes in a mammal is provided. The method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator to the mammal. The mammal may be for example, a human, a rat, a mouse, and the like. The AMP-activated protein kinase activator can be subcutaneously injected into the mammal or administered in any other manner that provides for uptake of the AMP-activated protein kinase activator into the cells of the mammal. The activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase activator can produce the benefits of exercise training including the translocation of GLUT4 in the muscle cells of the mammal. A method of treating insulin resistance in a mammal is also provided. To treat the insulin resistance a therapeutically effective amount of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator is given to the mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating obesity in a mammal. The method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator to the mammal. The mammal may be for example, a human, a rat, a mouse, and the like. The AMP-activated protein kinase activator can be subcutaneously injected into the mammal or administered in any other manner that provides for uptake of the AMP-activated protein kinase activator into the cells of the mammal. The activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase activator can produce the benefits of exercise training including the loss of body fat. The invention also relates to a method of treating insulin resistance in a mammal suffering from obesity, type 2 diabetes, or muscle paralysis. To reduce the insulin resistance a therapeutically effective amount of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator is given to the mammal.