The present application relates to the uses of phenylacetic acid benzylamides and new (S)(+)-2-ethoxy-4-[N-[1-2-piperidino-phenyl)-3-methyl-1-butyl]-aminocarbon ylmethyl]benzoic acid and the salts thereof, which have valuable pharmacological properties, namely an effect on the intermediate metabolism, but particularly the effect of lowering blood sugar.