The present invention provides compounds of formula I that are useful as potent and selective inhibitors of 11-beta
hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,
diluent, or
excipient. In addition, the present invention provides compositions comprising compounds of formula I for the treatment of
metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperglycemia,
obesity, hypertension,
hyperlipidemia, other symptoms associated with hyperglycemia, and related disorders. Formula (I) wherein, Ru0 is (II), or (III) G1 is
methylene or
ethylene; L is a
divalent linking group selected from —(C1-C4) alkylene-, —S—, —CH(OH)—, or —O—; A is
methylene, —S—, —O—, or —NH—; and the other substituents are as defined in the claims.