Provided is the use of polyhydroxylated cholane derivatives of formula II or IIa, wherein the variables are as defined in the specification, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of type II diabetes and diseases, disorders and conditions which are related to type II diabetes, such as hyperglycemia. An example of the derivatives is 1beta,3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-Tetrahydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oate.
