The present invention relates to a compound having the formula where Z is an amine, alcohol, or thiol-containing group, and Y is an alkyl-containing amine. Methods of producing such compounds and using them to treat patients with diabetes and obesity are also disclosed. The present invention also relates to treating such conditions with GADPH inhibitors and screening compounds useful for treating such conditions by using GADPH inhibitors. Compounds can also be screened for their effectiveness in modulating diabetes and obesity with a C. elegans strain.