The present invention relates to compounds which have been discovered to be potent ligands (inhibitors) of human GLUT5 (glucose transporter type 5), a facilitative glucose transporter that transports fructose, and their use as ligands assays which can uncover additional ligands of GLUT5, having the potential for being used as drugs. In addition, the present invention is directed to compounds, chemical compositions and methods for treating disease states and conditions which are mediated through GLUT5, including such disease states and conditions as GLUT5 deficiency syndrome, diabetes (type I and II), cancer, metabolic diseases including metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease, among others.