Novel compounds of the structural formula (I) are activators of AMP-protein kinase and are useful in the treatment, prevention and suppression of diseases mediated by the AMPK-activated protein kinase. The compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension.本發明係關於新穎的結構式(I)化合物,其為AMP蛋白激酶之活化劑,且適用於治療、預防及抑制由AMPK活化蛋白激酶介導之疾病。本發明化合物適用於治療第2型糖尿病、高血糖症、代謝症候群、肥胖症、高膽固醇血症及高血壓。