In vitro, IL-1β has been shown to reduce adipose tissue ability to hydrolyze triglycerides57 and to interfere with adipocyte differentiation.58 Moreover, while low levels of IL-1β are important for β-cell function,59 excess IL-1β is implicated in β-cell deterioration and the development of T2D,20, 60 and IL-1β is overexpressed in the islets of T2D patients.61 This is in line with the positive association of plasma IL-1β with glucose-induced insulin secretion in our population, despite that plasma IL-1β was near detectable limits. The gene discussed is INS; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.