A method for treating a disease or disorder associated with altered glucose metabolism or insulin action in a subject in need thereof. The method includes administering to the subject a BAFAC (bile acid or bile salt fatty acid conjugate) of general formula II: W-X-G in which G is a bile acid or bile salt radical, which is optionally conjugated in position 24 with a suitable amino acid, W stands for one or two fatty acid radicals, each having from 14-22 carbon atoms, and X is a suitable bonding member or a direct C═C bond between G and each W, said suitable bonding member being selected from the group consisting of NH, O, P and S. The disease or disorder associated with altered glucose metabolism is selected from the group consisting of hyperglycemia, diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity.