Type 2 diabetes is characterised by elevated circulating levels of pro – inflammatory cytokines such as Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha [TNF-α] and the soluble forms of adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte – endothelial cell interactions, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1] and E-selectin. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.