Thus, we hypothesized that a DNA promoter methylated variant of the NLRP3, AIM2 and ASC genes might induce a large secretion of IL-1β and IL-18, contribute to islet β cell death and dysfunction and impaired insulin secretion, and increase the risk of T2DM and vascular complications in a Han Chinese population. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.