Reductions in IL-6 secretion could also contribute to the development of subclinical diabetes (pre-diabetes) reported to occur during spaceflight since, as previously noted, IL-6 can increase pancreatic beta cell viability, insulin secretion, and CNS insulin sensitivity, and prevent the occurrence of obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance in mice fed obesogenic diets.85–88,94. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.