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 compositions containing these compounds for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperglycemia obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, other symptoms associated with hyperglycemia, and related disorders. Formula I wherein G.sup.1 is methylene or ethylene; L is --(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-, --S--, --CH(OH)--, or --O--; R.sup.0 is Formula II or Formula III and the other substituents are as defined in the claims.